The date and the organization of the hearing are
arranged by the umpire and DKV notifies the parties in writing. Arbitrators
examine the written submissions and may invite further voluntary evidence from
outside witnesses and experts. Both parties to the dispute are also summoned for
oral pleading of their case. A legal adviser, nominated by the panel, attends
all meetings and participates in the deliberations but has no vote. Decisions
are reached by simple majority vote and the award, setting out the grounds for
the verdict, is delivered in writing through the DKV secretariat.
Appeal:
There is no appeal as such against a DKV award. An award can be submitted to the
Hamburg Hanseatic High Court which is competent for all judicial rulings and
functions required in accordance with German civil process law (ZPO). If the
court disaffirms the award on formal legal grounds then the arbitration must be
repeated, with the same arbitrators and umpire officiating unless the court
specifically ruled otherwise.