Asked by Katherine Marshall on May 06, 2024

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Fred Sweet teaches dancing classes for middle-aged and elderly people.Some of Fred's customers lack physical coordination,and injuries from kicks,falls,etc.are common.Fred naturally fears that injured customers will sue him for negligence.Thus,he makes each customer sign a written contract containing a clause relieving Fred of all liability for injuries suffered during his dancing classes.However,fearful that he will lose business if potential customers become aware of his strategy,Fred states the clause in fine print and does not point it out to them.An injured customer sues Fred for negligence.Fred wants to defend on the basis of the clause in the contract.Which of the following is the biggest weakness in Fred's position?

A) That Fred tried to use an exculpatory clause at all,because such clauses are invalid on public policy grounds.
B) That Fred tried to use an exculpatory clause to relieve himself of negligence liability.
C) That Fred has superior bargaining power,which makes the customer's acceptance of the exculpatory clause involuntary.
D) That Fred used a fine-print exculpatory clause,which means that the customer lacked knowledge of the clause's existence.

Exculpatory Clause

A clause in a contract or trust instrument that excuses a party from some duty.

Negligence Liability

Legal responsibility for harm caused by failing to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances.

Fine Print

Small text or details in a contract or agreement that are often overlooked but can contain important legal obligations or information.

  • Pinpoint the legal theories and defenses employed in negligence cases, encompassing res ipsa loquitur, assumption of risk, and exoneration clauses.
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Parth PradhanMay 11, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Exculpatory clause provisions are not recognized by the court if they are found to be inconspicuous in a contract and the injured party had no knowledge of the clause.