Legal Definitions - intertwining doctrine

The intertwining doctrine is a legal principle that states that if there are both arbitrable and non-arbitrable claims arising from a single transaction, and these claims are legally and factually intertwined, a court can refuse to compel arbitration of any claims.

For example, if a person signs a contract with a company that includes both a dispute resolution clause requiring arbitration and a non-compete clause that is not subject to arbitration, and a dispute arises regarding the non-compete clause, the court may refuse to compel arbitration of any claims because the non-compete clause is intertwined with the overall transaction.

However, it is important to note that the Federal Arbitration Act usually preempts the intertwining doctrine, limiting its effect.