TTIP may extend these rights, and it certainly should be negotiated in such a secretive way, but the ISDS provisions are nothing particularly new. ISDS exist because national courts are not always unbiased, and may unduly favour the host nation.
Just because it isn't new doesn't mean we should shrug and accept it.
Yes, and it has created its share of problems already. Which is exactly why a lot of people are concerned; i.e. because it is known to not just be a hypothetical issue.
As opposed to favouring ... what, exactly?
Yes, I recently learned that, too. I find it shocking.
I can understand it somewhat when dealing with underdeveloped and corrupt countries, but even then I'm not sure it would be the best way. But most countries involved in this treaty have a well-functioning and reasonably fair court system. A secretive arbitration system is no improvement.
Extending their reach, as you may gather, is not something I'm in favour of.
I don't really care why ISDS exist, it's a dilution of democracy and national sovereignty.
But why?