This Note provides a comparison of the doctrines of separability and comp´etence de la comp´etence and the status of these doctrines under French, English and U.S. law. Part I defines the operation of these two doctrines, discusses their interrelationship, and reviews their status under the arbitration rules of international arbitral organizations. Part II reviews the private international law of the United States, England and France with respect to these doctrines. Part III concludes that with respect to the doctrines of separability and comp´etence de la comp´etence, French law best furthers the goals of international arbitration by utilizing both doctrines to provide the more liberal forum in which parties may arbitrate.
Janet A. Rosen