SECTION 17 — Law applicable to the merits of the dispute

The parties shall agree upon the rules of law to be applied by the arbitrator to the merits of the dispute. In the absence of any such agreement, the arbitrator shall apply the law determined by the conflict of law rules which it considers appropriate in the circumstance. In any event, the arbitrator shall take into account the terms of the contract and the usages of the trade. The arbitrator shall decide as amiable compositeur if the parties have so authorised in the arbitration agreement or thereafter.