§ 172.143.Interim Award

Deciding part of a case before the end of it.

The tribunal may make an interim award at any time during the arbitration.

The subject matter is limited to what it could finally decide. An interim award may be made on a matter with respect to which the tribunal may make a final award.

Enforceability is the important half. An interim award is enforceable in the same manner as a final award.

That distinguishes it from an interim measure of protection. Section 172.083 lets the tribunal order a party to do something pending the outcome; this section lets it decide an issue.

Bifurcation is the ordinary use. Liability can be decided before damages, or a discrete legal question before the rest of the case.

An early award can end the dispute. Parties often settle once liability is resolved and only quantum remains.

The definition already contemplated this. Section 172.002(a)(3) defines an arbitration award to include an interim, interlocutory or partial award.

The form requirements apply. Section 172.150 applies the form, delivery, interest and costs sections to corrections and additional awards, and an interim award is an award for the chapter’s purposes.