This Practice Note provides an introduction to the powers of the courts of England and Wales in relation to arbitral (arbitration) proceedings pursuant to (or under) English law and the Arbitration Act 1996 (AA 1996). The Practice Note covers the scope of the court's powers to make orders relating to the arbitral process under AA 1996, s 2(4) and considers leading cases on this issue. This Practice Note also considers the court's ability to provide interim and emergency relief, including ordering anti-suit and anti-arbitration injunctions. It further covers the court's power to grant extensions of time and to assist in the securing of evidence for use in arbitration. This Practice Note provides links to further coverage of these issues. This topic may be referred to as: an overview of English court support of domestic and international arbitration; judicial supervision and support for arbitration; interim court assistance in arbitral proceedings; and, the role of the court in arbitration proceedings.