Docs/Governance & Compliance/Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Rules v1.0

Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Rules v1.0

Last updated: June 2026 | Public Release v1.0

ANCORA Network Dispute Resolution System

1. System Purpose

The ANCORA arbitration system provides neutral, decentralized dispute resolution for all network participants, eliminating the need for traditional legal systems for on-chain disputes. All arbitration decisions are enforceable on-chain.

2. Arbitration Council

2.1 Composition

15 neutral arbitrators elected annually by community vote

No arbitrator may serve on any other governance council

Geographically and jurisdictionally diverse membership

Minimum 5 years dispute resolution experience required

3-year staggered terms with 2 term maximum

2.2 Impartiality Requirements

All arbitrators must disclose any conflicts of interest

Arbitrators with direct interest in a dispute must recuse themselves

No arbitrator may accept payment or gifts from parties to a dispute

Violation results in immediate removal and permanent ban

3. Dispute Categories & Jurisdiction

The arbitration system has jurisdiction over:

Grant recipient performance disputes

Validator slashing appeals

Governance proposal disputes

Treasury expenditure disputes

Community member misconduct allegations

All other network-related disputes

The arbitration system does NOT have jurisdiction over:

Core protocol rules defined in the Constitution

Monetary policy or token supply rules

Off-chain legal disputes between parties

4. Arbitration Process

Filing: Dispute filed with 100 ANC filing fee (refunded if successful)

Response: Respondent has 7 days to file response

Panel Selection: 3 arbitrators randomly selected from the council

Evidence Period: 14 days for both parties to submit evidence

Hearing: Optional live hearing if requested by either party

Deliberation: Arbitrators deliberate and reach decision

Decision: Written decision published within 7 days of hearing

Enforcement: Decision automatically executed on-chain

5. Decision Standards

Decisions made by majority vote of 3-arbitrator panel

Decisions based on ANCORA Constitution, governance rules, and community norms

All decisions include full written reasoning and evidence evaluation

Decisions are final and binding with no appeal except in cases of proven arbitrator misconduct

All decisions are permanently public and serve as precedent for future cases

6. Enforcement

All arbitration decisions are automatically enforceable on-chain:

Fund transfers and clawbacks

Slashing penalty reversal or adjustment

Governance proposal invalidation or reinstatement

Arbitrator removal

Permanent account restrictions for proven misconduct