Void Clause Gave Trial Court Authority to Deny Arbitration

An Orange County court had the authority to deny a petition to compel arbitration after determining that an arbitration clause was "void and unenforceable," an appellate court concluded.Case: Ceradyne Inc., v. Argonaut Insurance Co., No. G039873, 6/2/09, unpublished.Facts:Argonaut Insurance Co. provided a workers' compensation plan to Ceradyne Inc. After several years, Ceradyne sued Argonaut, alleging that the insurer had mismanaged workers' compensation claims and finances.During the discovery process, Argonaut discovered that the parties entered into an insurance program agreement (I...