# RCW 7.05.170: RCW 7.05.170: Competence of arbitral tribunal to rule on its own jurisdiction

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S170

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 7.05.170
- **Heading:** RCW 7.05.170: Competence of arbitral tribunal to rule on its own jurisdiction
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 7 / Chapter 05 / Section 170

## Text

(1) The arbitral tribunal may rule on its own jurisdiction, including any objections with respect to the existence or validity of the arbitration agreement. For that purpose, an arbitration clause which forms part of a contract shall be treated as an agreement independent of the other terms of the contract. A decision by the arbitral tribunal that the contract is null and void shall not entail ipso jure the invalidity of the arbitration clause. (2) A plea that the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction shall be raised not later than the submission of the statement of defense. A party is not precluded from raising such a plea by the fact that the party has appointed, or participated in the appointment of, an arbitrator. A plea that the arbitral tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority shall be raised as soon as the matter alleged to be beyond the scope of its authority is raised during the arbitral proceedings. The arbitral tribunal may, in either case, admit a later plea if it considers the delay justified. (3) The arbitral tribunal may rule on a plea referred to in subsection (2) of this section either as a preliminary question or in an award on the merits. If the arbitral tribunal rules as a preliminary question that it has jurisdiction, any party may request, within thirty days after having received notice of that ruling, the court specified in RCW 7.05.070 to decide the matter, which decision shall be subject to no appeal. While such a request is pending, the arbitral tribunal may continue the arbitral proceedings and make an award.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 7.05.030 RCW 7.05.030: International origin and general principles.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S030.md)
- [RCW 7.05.060 RCW 7.05.060: Extent of court intervention.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S060.md)
- [RCW 7.05.070 RCW 7.05.070: Court authority for certain functions of arbitration assistance and supervision.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S070.md)
- [RCW 7.05.080 RCW 7.05.080: Arbitration agreement—Definition and form.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S080.md)
- [RCW 7.05.090 RCW 7.05.090: Arbitration agreement—Substantive claim before court.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S090.md)
- [RCW 7.05.100 RCW 7.05.100: Arbitration agreement—Interim measures by court.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S100.md)
- [RCW 7.05.120 RCW 7.05.120: Appointment of arbitrators.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S120.md)
- [RCW 7.05.130 RCW 7.05.130: Disclosure requirements—Grounds for challenge.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S130.md)
- [RCW 7.05.140 RCW 7.05.140: Challenge procedure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S140.md)
- [RCW 7.05.170 RCW 7.05.170: Competence of arbitral tribunal to rule on its own jurisdiction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S170.md)
- [RCW 7.05.200 RCW 7.05.200: Application for preliminary orders—Conditions for granting preliminary orders.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S200.md)
- [RCW 7.05.220 RCW 7.05.220: Modification, suspension, termination of preliminary orders.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S220.md)
- [RCW 7.05.230 RCW 7.05.230: Provision of security.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S230.md)
- [RCW 7.05.250 RCW 7.05.250: Costs and damages.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S250.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C05_S170. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.