{"id":443,"date":"2021-10-25T03:57:11","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T03:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\/?page_id=443"},"modified":"2022-05-02T21:42:15","modified_gmt":"2022-05-02T21:42:15","slug":"caci-451-affirmative-defense-contractual-assumption-of-risk","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\/caci-451-affirmative-defense-contractual-assumption-of-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"CACI 451 Affirmative Defense\u2014Contractual Assumption of Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ku5em8df-a403c0dd110a08994f8566cfa9938a8a\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ku5em8df-a403c0dd110a08994f8566cfa9938a8a{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ku5em8df-a403c0dd110a08994f8566cfa9938a8a .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ku5em8df-a403c0dd110a08994f8566cfa9938a8a .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ku5em8df-a403c0dd110a08994f8566cfa9938a8a av-special-heading-h1 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first '><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >CACI 451 Affirmative Defense\u2014Contractual Assumption of Risk<\/h1><div class='av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>California Civil Jury Instructions CACI<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-91d7ccd583a503147498e120fee2ff9b hr-default  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_avia_sc_search '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7\">\n#top .avia_search_element.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7 .av_searchform_wrapper{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-color:#edae44;\nbackground-color:#edae44;\n}\n#top .avia_search_element.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7 #s.av-input-field{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n#top .avia_search_element.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7 #searchsubmit{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n#top .avia_search_element.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7 .av_searchsubmit_wrapper{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n.ajax_search_response.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7{\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nmargin:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia_search_element av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_textblock '><search><form action='https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\/' id='searchform_element' method='get' class='' data-element_id='av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7' ><div class='av_searchform_wrapper'><input type='search' value='' id='s' name='s' placeholder='Search CACI' aria-label='Search CACI' class='av-input-field ' required \/><div class='av_searchsubmit_wrapper '><input type='submit' value='Find' id='searchsubmit' class='button ' title='View results on search page' aria-label='View results on search page' \/><\/div><input type='hidden' name='numberposts' value='8' \/><input type='hidden' name='post_type' value='page' \/><input type='hidden' name='results_hide_fields' value='post_titles,meta,image' \/><\/div><\/form><\/search><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-e878f05c31dff72941bf1e49a00d9ff5 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\/\">CACI Jury Instructions Index<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/caci-fillable-forms.crowdsourcelawyers.com\/\">App: CACI Jury Instructions Fillable Forms Word Format<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-91d7ccd583a503147498e120fee2ff9b hr-default  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ku5enee7-40633dab67b976e75919ae8899627332\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ku5enee7-40633dab67b976e75919ae8899627332 .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-ku5enee7-40633dab67b976e75919ae8899627332 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2 class=\"SS_Banner\">451\u00a0Affirmative Defense\u2014Contractual Assumption of Risk<\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">[<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] claims that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] may not recover any damages because [he\/she\/<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">nonbinary pronoun<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] agreed before the incident that [he\/she\/<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">nonbinary pronoun<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] would not hold [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] responsible for any damages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">If [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] proves that there was such an agreement and that it applies to [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s claim, then [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] is not responsible for [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s harm[, unless you find that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] was grossly negligent or intentionally harmed [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]].<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">[If you find that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] was grossly negligent or intentionally harmed [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">], then the agreement does not apply. You must then determine whether [he\/she\/<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">nonbinary pronoun<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">\/it] is responsible for [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s harm based on the other instructions that I have given you.] <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"SS_Note\">\n<h2 class=\"SS_HideShowSection SS_Expandable\"><\/h2>\n<div id=\"TRNotes_n_1\">\n<p><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">New September 2003; Revised December 2011 <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/\">Crowdsource Lawyers<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\">https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci<\/a><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\"><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"SS_Note\">\n<h2 class=\"SS_HideShowSection SS_Expandable\">Directions for Use<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TRNotes_n_2\">\n<p>This instruction sets forth the affirmative defense of express or contractual assumption of risk. (See\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Eriksson v. Nunnink<\/span>\u00a0(2011) 191 Cal.App.4th 826, 856 [120 Cal.Rptr.3d 90].) It will be given in very limited circumstances. Both the interpretation of a waiver agreement and application of its legal effect are generally resolved by the judge before trial. The existence of a duty is a question of law for the court (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Eriksson v. Nunnink<\/span>\u00a0(2015) 233 Cal.App.4th 708, 719 [183 Cal.Rptr.3d 234]), as is the interpretation of a written instrument if the interpretation does not turn on the credibility of extrinsic evidence. (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Allabach v. Santa Clara County Fair Assn., Inc.<\/span>\u00a0(1996) 46 Cal.App.4th 1007, 1011 [54 Cal.Rptr.2d 330].)<\/p>\n<p>However, there may be contract law defenses (such as fraud, lack of consideration, duress, unconscionability) that could be asserted by the plaintiff to contest the validity of a waiver. If these defenses depend on disputed facts that must be considered by a jury, then this instruction should also be given.<\/p>\n<p>Express assumption of risk does not relieve the defendant of liability if there was gross negligence or willful injury. (See\u00a0Civ. Code, \u00a7\u20091668.) However, the doctrine of primary assumption of risk may then become relevant if an inherently dangerous sport or activity is involved. (See\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Rosencrans v. Dover Images, Ltd<\/span>. (2011) 192 Cal.App.4th 1072, 1081 [122 Cal.Rptr.3d 22].)<\/p>\n<p>If there are jury issues with regard to gross negligence, include the bracketed language on gross negligence. Also give\u00a0CACI No. 425,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">\u201cGross Negligence\u201d Explained.<\/span>\u00a0If the jury finds no gross negligence, then the action is barred by express assumption of risk unless there are issues of fact with regard to contract formation. <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"SS_Note\">\n<h2 class=\"SS_HideShowSection SS_Expandable\">Sources and Authority<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TRNotes_n_3\">\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">Contract Releasing Party From Liability for Fraud or Willful Injury is Against Public Policy.\u00a0Civil Code section 1668.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[P]arties may contract for the release of liability for future ordinary negligence so long as such contracts do not violate public policy. \u2018A valid release precludes liability for risks of injury within the scope of the release.\u2019\u2009\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Anderson v. Fitness Internat., LLC<\/span>\u00a0(2016) 4 Cal.App.5th 867, 877 [208 Cal.Rptr.3d 792], internal citations omitted.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cWith respect to the question of express waiver, the legal issue is\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">not<\/span>\u00a0whether the particular risk of injury appellant suffered is inherent in the recreational activity to which the Release applies [citations], but simply\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">the scope of the Release<\/span>.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Hass v. RhodyCo Productions<\/span>\u00a0(2018) 26 Cal.App.5th 11, 27 [236 Cal.Rptr.3d 682], original italics.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cExpress assumption occurs when the plaintiff, in advance, expressly consents \u2026 to relieve the defendant of an obligation of conduct toward him, and to take his chances of injury from a known risk arising from what the defendant is to do or leave undone.\u2009\u2026 The result is that \u2026 being under no duty, [the defendant] cannot be charged with negligence.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Saenz v. Whitewater Voyages, Inc.<\/span>\u00a0(1990) 226 Cal.App.3d 758, 764 [276 Cal.Rptr. 672], internal citations omitted.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cWhile often referred to as a defense, a release of future liability is more appropriately characterized as an express assumption of the risk that negates the defendant\u2019s duty of care, an element of the plaintiff\u2019s case.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Eriksson, supra<\/span>, 233 Cal.App.4th at p. 719.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[C]ases involving express assumption of risk are concerned with instances in which, as the result of an express agreement, the defendant owes no duty to protect the plaintiff from an injury-causing risk. Thus in this respect express assumption of risk properly can be viewed as analogous to primary assumption of risk.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Knight v. Jewett<\/span>\u00a0(1992) 3 Cal.4th 296, 308\u2013309, fn. 4 [11 Cal.Rptr.2d 2, 834 P.2d 696].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c\u2009\u2018\u2009\u201cIt is only necessary that the act of negligence, which results in injury to the releaser, be reasonably related to the object or purpose for which the release is given.\u201d\u2009\u2019 \u2026 \u2018An act of negligence is reasonably related to the object or purpose for which the release was given if it is included within the express scope of the release.\u2019\u2009\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Eriksson, supra<\/span>, 233 Cal.App.4th at p. 722.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cAlthough [decedent] could not release or waive her parents\u2019 subsequent wrongful death claims, it is well settled that a release of future liability or express assumption of the risk by the decedent may be asserted as a defense to such claims.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Eriksson, supra<\/span>, 233 Cal.App.4th at p. 725.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[E]xculpatory clause which affects the public interest cannot stand.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Tunkl v. Regents of Univ. of California<\/span>\u00a0(1963) 60 Cal.2d 92, 98 [32 Cal.Rptr. 33, 383 P.2d 441].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cIn\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Tunkl<\/span>, our high court identified six characteristics typical of contracts affecting the public interest: \u2018\u2009\u201c[1] It concerns a business of a type generally thought suitable for public regulation. [2] The party seeking exculpation is engaged in performing a service of great importance to the public, which is often a matter of practical necessity for some members of the public. [3] The party holds himself out as willing to perform this service for any member of the public who seeks it, or at least any member coming within certain established standards. [4] As a result of the essential nature of the service, in the economic setting of the transaction, the party invoking exculpation possesses a decisive advantage of bargaining strength against any member of the public who seeks his services. [5] In exercising a superior bargaining power the party confronts the public with a standardized adhesion contract of exculpation, and makes no provision whereby a purchaser may pay additional reasonable fees and obtain protection against negligence. [6] Finally, as a result of the transaction, the person or property of the purchaser is placed under the control of the seller, subject to the risk of carelessness by the seller or his agents.\u201d\u2009\u2019 Not all of these factors need to be present for an exculpatory contract to be voided as affecting the public interest.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Hass, supra,<\/span>\u00a026 Cal.App.5th at p. 29, internal citations omitted.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cThe issue [of whether something is in the public interest] is tested\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">objectively<\/span>, by the activity\u2019s importance to the\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">general public<\/span>, not by its subjective importance to the particular plaintiff.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Booth v. Santa Barbara Biplane Tours, LLC<\/span>\u00a0(2008) 158 Cal.App.4th 1173, 1179\u20131180 [70 Cal.Rptr.3d 660], original italics.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[P]ublic policy generally precludes enforcement of an agreement that would remove an obligation to adhere to even a\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">minimal<\/span>\u00a0standard of care. Applying that general rule here, we hold that an agreement purporting to release liability for future gross negligence committed against a developmentally disabled child who participates in a recreational camp designed for the needs of such children violates public policy and is unenforceable.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">City of Santa Barbara v. Superior Court<\/span>\u00a0(2007) 41 Cal.4th 747, 777 [62 Cal.Rptr.3d 527, 161 P.3d 1095], original italics.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c\u2009\u2018\u2009\u201c[A] purveyor of recreational activities owes a duty to a patron not to increase the risks inherent in the activity in which the patron has paid to engage.\u201d\u2009\u2019\u2009 Thus, in cases involving a waiver of liability for future negligence, courts have held that conduct that substantially or unreasonably increased the inherent risk of an activity or actively concealed a known risk could amount to gross negligence, which would not be barred by a release agreement.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Willhide-Michiulis v. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, LLC<\/span>\u00a0(2018) 25 Cal.App.5th 344, 359 [235 Cal.Rptr.3d 716].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c\u2009\u2018\u2009\u201cA written release may exculpate a tortfeasor from future negligence or misconduct. [Citation.] To be effective, such a release \u2018<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">must be clear, unambiguous, and explicit in expressing the intent of the subscribing parties<\/span>.\u2019 [Citation.] The release need not achieve perfection. [Citation.] Exculpatory agreements in the recreational sports context do not implicate the public interest and therefore are not void as against public policy. [Citations.]\u201d\u2009\u2019 \u2018\u2009\u201cAn ambiguity exists when a party can identify an alternative, semantically reasonable, candidate of meaning of a writing. [Citations.]\u201d\u2009\u2019\u2009\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Huverserian v. Catalina Scuba Luv, Inc.<\/span>\u00a0(2010) 184 Cal.App.4th 1462, 1467 [110 Cal.Rptr.3d 112], original italics, internal citations omitted.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cUnlike claims for ordinary negligence, products liability claims cannot be waived.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Grebing v. 24 Hour Fitness USA, Inc.<\/span>\u00a0(2015) 234 Cal.App.4th 631, 640 [184 Cal.Rptr.3d 155].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cSince there is no disputed issue of material fact concerning gross negligence, the release also bars [plaintiff]\u2019s cause of action for breach of warranty.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Grebing, supra<\/span>, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 640.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cGenerally, a person who signs an instrument may not avoid the impact of its terms on the ground that she failed to read it before signing. However, a release is invalid when it is procured by misrepresentation, overreaching, deception, or fraud. \u2018It has often been held that if the releaser was under a misapprehension, not due to his own neglect, as to the nature or scope of the release, and if this misapprehension was induced by the misconduct of the releasee, then the release, regardless of how comprehensively worded, is binding only to the extent actually intended by the releaser.\u2019 \u2018In cases providing the opportunity for overreaching, the releasee has a duty to act in good faith and the releaser must have a full understanding of his legal rights. [Citations.] Furthermore, it is the province of the jury to determine whether the circumstances afforded the opportunity for overreaching, whether the releasee engaged in overreaching and whether the releaser was misled. [Citation.]\u2019 A \u2018strong showing of misconduct\u2019 by the plaintiff is not necessary to demonstrate the existence of a triable issue of fact here; only a \u2018slight showing\u2019 is required.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Jimenez v. 24 Hour Fitness USA, Inc.<\/span>\u00a0(2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 546, 563\u2013564 [188 Cal.Rptr.3d 228], internal citations omitted.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cPlaintiffs assert that Jerid did not \u2018freely and knowingly\u2019 enter into the Release because (1) the [defendant\u2019s] employee represented the Release was a sign-in sheet; (2) the metal clip of the clipboard obscured the title of the document; (3) the Release was written in a small font; (4) [defendant] did not inform Jerid he was releasing his rights by signing the Release; (5) Jerid did not know he was signing a release; (6) Jerid did not receive a copy of the Release; and (7) Jerid was not given adequate time to read or understand the Release. [\u00b6] We do not find plaintiffs\u2019 argument persuasive because \u2026 there was nothing preventing Jerid from reading the Release. There is nothing indicating that Jerid was prevented from (1) reading the Release while he sat at the booth, or (2) taking the Release, moving his truck out of the line, and reading the Release. In sum, plaintiffs\u2019 arguments do not persuade us that Jerid was denied a reasonable opportunity to discover the true terms of the contract.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Rosencrans, supra<\/span>, 192 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1080\u20131081.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cWhether a contract provision is clear and unambiguous is a question of law, not of fact.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Madison v. Superior Court<\/span>\u00a0(1988) 203 Cal.App.3d 589, 598 [250 Cal.Rptr. 299].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cBy signing as [decedent]\u2019s parent, [plaintiff] approved of the terms of the release and understood that her signature made the release \u2018irrevocable and binding.\u2019 Under these circumstances, the release could not be disaffirmed. [\u00b6] Although [plaintiff]\u2019s signature prevented the agreement from being disaffirmed, it does not make her a party to the release.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Eriksson, supra<\/span>, 233 Cal.App.4th at p. 721.) <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"SS_Heading\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\"><span class=\"SS_ib\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_ib\">Secondary Sources<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<div>6 Witkin, Summary of California Law (11th ed. 2017) Torts, \u00a7\u00a7\u20091439, 1449\u20131451<\/div>\n<div>California Tort Guide (Cont.Ed.Bar 3d ed.) \u00a7\u20091.44<\/div>\n<div>1 Levy et al.,\u00a0California Torts, Ch. 4,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Comparative Negligence, Assumption of the Risk, and Related Defenses<\/span>, \u00a7\u20094.03\u00a0(Matthew Bender)<\/div>\n<div>4\u00a0California Trial Guide, Unit 90,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Closing Argument<\/span>, \u00a7\u200990.90\u00a0(Matthew Bender)<\/div>\n<div>33\u00a0California Forms of Pleading and Practice, Ch. 380,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Negligence<\/span>, \u00a7\u2009380.171\u00a0(Matthew Bender)<\/div>\n<div>16\u00a0California Points and Authorities, Ch. 165,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Negligence<\/span>, \u00a7\u2009165.402\u00a0(Matthew Bender)<\/div>\n<div class=\"SS_Note\">\n<div id=\"TRNotes_n_3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='hr av-ohbyr-091ef7a20cb5509f1cf866e9518b3458 hr-default  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mk1d7-a5e80386e0d5274d874c38ef5ddf5ba6\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-mk1d7-a5e80386e0d5274d874c38ef5ddf5ba6 .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:22px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mk1d7-a5e80386e0d5274d874c38ef5ddf5ba6 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/\">CrowdSourceLawyers.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-443","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - 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