exculpatory clause (New Jersey) · Go Syfert
← New Jersey issues

exculpatory clause in New Jersey

62 New Jersey opinions name it 2 courts 1953–2026 7 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New Jersey courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (27)

CaseFollowedCited
Mayfair Fabrics v. Henleygreen
nj · 1967 · cited in 9 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1967–2010
2 sentences

2010"For that reason, courts closely scrutinize liability releases and invalidate them if they violate public policy." Ibid. (citation omitted); see also Carvalho v. Toll Bros. and Developers, 143 N.J. 565, 578 , 675 A. 2d 209 (1996) ("[C]ourts will not enforce an exculpatory clause if ... exoneration of the party would adversely affect the public interest." (citation and internal quotation marks omitted)); Mayfair Fabrics v. Henley, 48 N.J. 483, 487 , 226 A. 2d *698 602 (1967) ("[W]here there is unequal bargaining power, the public interest may call for rejection of an exculpatory clause exacted

2010“For that reason, courts closely scrutinize liability releases and invalidate them if they violate public policy.” Ibid, (citation omitted); see also Carvalho v. Toll Bros. & Developers, 143 N.J. 565, 578 , 675 A.2d 209 (1996) (“[Cjourts will not enforce an exculpatory clause if ... exoneration of the party would adversely affect the public interest.” (citation and internal quotation marks omitted)); Mayfair Fabrics v. Henley, 48 N.J. 483, 487 , 226 A.2d 602 (1967) (“[WJhere there is unequal bargaining power, the public interest may call for rejection of an exculpatory clause exacted by the do

39
Stelluti v. Casapenn Enterprises, LLCgreen
nj · 2010 · cited in 5 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2014–2026
2 sentences

2026Undeniably, courts will not enforce "an exculpatory clause in which a commercial enterprise protects itself against its own negligence at the expense of a consumer, who had no bargaining power to alter the terms of the contract." Stelluti, 203 N.J. at 320-22 (surveying cases from other states striking down exculpatory clauses in lease agreements and A-3350-23 12 noted that each of them absolved the landlord of future acts).

2018Stelluti held that an exculpatory clause cannot extinguish a gross negligence claim against a health club. 203 N.J. at 312-13 , 1 A.3d 678 .

35
Henningsen v. Bloomfield Motors, Inc.green
nj · 1960 · cited in 4 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2002–2026
2 sentences

2026See e.g., Muhammad, 189 N.J. at 22 (declining to enforce an adhesion contract stemming from unequal bargaining power); Henningsen v. Bloomfield Motors, Inc., 32 N.J. 358, 404 (1960) (declining to enforce an exculpatory clause within an automobile manufacturer's contract, as buyer had "no real freedom of choice," to enter into such); Vitale v. Schering-Plough Corp., 231 N.J. 234 (2017) (same); Vasquez v. Glassboro Serv.

2010Our Court did not permit an automobile manufacturer—through an exculpatory clause in a contract—to immunize itself for personal injury caused by a defective car in Henningsen, supra, 32 N.J. at 365-67, 404 , 161 A. 2d 69 , although building safer cars arguably might cost more.

34
Gershon v. Regency Diving Centergreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2004 · cited in 6 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2009–2025
2 sentences

2025An exculpatory clause limiting liability is enforceable if: "(1) it does not adversely affect the public interest; (2) the exculpated party is not under a legal duty to perform; (3) it does not involve a public utility or common carrier; or (4) the contract does not grow out of unequal bargaining power or is otherwise unconscionable." Gershon v. Regency Diving Ctr., Inc., 368 N.J.

2021Because they are disfavored, the party seeking to enforce an exculpatory clause must show clearly that the party giving up the right to seek compensation from the alleged wrongdoer agreed to the exculpatory clause "voluntarily, intelligently and with the full knowledge of its legal consequences." Gershon v. Regency Diving Ctr., Inc., 368 N.J.

26
Muhammad v. County Bank of Rehoboth Beach, Delawaregreen
nj · 2006 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2024–2026
2 sentences

2026See e.g., Muhammad, 189 N.J. at 22 (declining to enforce an adhesion contract stemming from unequal bargaining power); Henningsen v. Bloomfield Motors, Inc., 32 N.J. 358, 404 (1960) (declining to enforce an exculpatory clause within an automobile manufacturer's contract, as buyer had "no real freedom of choice," to enter into such); Vitale v. Schering-Plough Corp., 231 N.J. 234 (2017) (same); Vasquez v. Glassboro Serv.

2024See Muhammad, 189 N.J. at 19 .

22
Kuzmiak v. Brookchestergreen
njsuperctappdiv · 1955 · cited in 12 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1955–2026
2 sentences

2014Super. 381 (App. Div.), certif. denied, 60 N.J. 354 (1972) (finding an exculpatory clause, which attempted to immunize a residential landlord from negligence contrary to public policy); Kuzmiak v. Brookchester, Inc., 33 N.J.

2009See also Cardona v. Eden Realty Co., 118 N.J.Super. 381 , 288 A. 2d 34 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 60 N.J. 354 , 289 A. 2d 799 (1972) (finding an exculpatory clause, which attempted to immunize a residential landlord from negligence, contrary to public policy); Kuzmiak, supra, 33 N.J.Super. at 580-88 , 111 A. 2d 425 (nullifying a similar exculpatory provision in an apartment lease).

112
James F. Walters v. Ymcagreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2014 · cited in 4 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2017–2021
2 sentences

2021A private gym cannot "insulate itself through an exculpatory clause from the ordinary common law duty of care owed by all businesses to its invitees." Walters v. YMCA, 437 N.J.

2017Such reliance is misplaced, because in Walters, supra, we held that "whether a fitness center or health club can insulate itself through an exculpatory clause from the ordinary common law duty of care owed by all businesses to its invitees, was specifically not addressed or decided by the Court in Stelluti." 437 N.J.

14
Tunkl v. Regents of University of Californiagreen
cal · 1963 · cited in 3 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1967–2006
2 sentences

2006The California Supreme Court’s decision in Tunkl v. Regents of the University of California, 60 Cal.2d 92 , 32 Cal.Rptr. 33 , 383 P.2d 441, 445-46 (1963), provides arguably the most widely accepted test applied to exculpatory agreements.

2006The California Supreme Court’s decision in Tunkl v. Regents of the University of California, 60 Cal.2d 92 , 32 Cal.Rptr. 33 , 383 P.2d 441, 445-46 (1963), provides arguably the most widely accepted test applied to exculpatory agreements.

13
CARBONE v. Cortlandt Realty Corp.green
nj · 1971 · cited in 3 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1985–1997
2 sentences

1997Carbone v. Cortlandt Realty Corp., 58 N.J. 366 [ 277 A.2d 542 ] (1971) (an exculpatory clause in a commercial lease should not be construed to exculpate a landlord unless the clause expressly so states or the intent to do so is evident from the arrangement of the parties); Kuzmiak v. Brookchester, 33 N.J.Super. 575 [ 111 A.2d 425 ] (App.Div.1955) (exculpatory clause in a residential lease that attempted to immunize landlord from liability for an wrongdoing held invalid). [Id, at 512, 515 A.2d 814 .] Though offered as a two-pronged test for unconscionability, the Tannock court analyzed the rela

1997Carbone v. Cortlandt Realty Corp., 58 N.J. 366 [ 277 A.2d 542 ] (1971) (an exculpatory clause in a commercial lease should not be construed to exculpate a landlord unless the clause expressly so states or the intent to do so is evident from the arrangement of the parties); Kuzmiak v. Brookchester, 33 N.J.Super. 575 [ 111 A.2d 425 ] (App.Div.1955) (exculpatory clause in a residential lease that attempted to immunize landlord from liability for an wrongdoing held invalid). [Id, at 512, 515 A.2d 814 .] Though offered as a two-pronged test for unconscionability, the Tannock court analyzed the rela

13
Cardona v. EDEN REALTY CO., INC.green
nj · 1972 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2009–2014
2 sentences

2014Super. 381 (App. Div.), certif. denied, 60 N.J. 354 (1972) (finding an exculpatory clause, which attempted to immunize a residential landlord from negligence contrary to public policy); Kuzmiak v. Brookchester, Inc., 33 N.J.

2009See also Cardona v. Eden Realty Co., 118 N.J.Super. 381 , 288 A. 2d 34 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 60 N.J. 354 , 289 A. 2d 799 (1972) (finding an exculpatory clause, which attempted to immunize a residential landlord from negligence, contrary to public policy); Kuzmiak, supra, 33 N.J.Super. at 580-88 , 111 A. 2d 425 (nullifying a similar exculpatory provision in an apartment lease).

12
HOJNOWSKI EX REL. HOJNOWSKI v. Vans Skate Parkgreen
nj · 2006 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2009–2010
2 sentences

2010"For that reason, courts closely scrutinize liability releases and invalidate them if they violate public policy." Ibid. (citation omitted); see also Carvalho v. Toll Bros. and Developers, 143 N.J. 565, 578 , 675 A. 2d 209 (1996) ("[C]ourts will not enforce an exculpatory clause if ... exoneration of the party would adversely affect the public interest." (citation and internal quotation marks omitted)); Mayfair Fabrics v. Henley, 48 N.J. 483, 487 , 226 A. 2d *698 602 (1967) ("[W]here there is unequal bargaining power, the public interest may call for rejection of an exculpatory clause exacted

2009In any event, no one is asserting that ABI is still a party to the case. [4] Information regarding The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is available at: http://www.fitness.gov. [5] See generally New Jersey Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, http://www.nj.gov/ health/fhs/njcpfs/index.shtm/ (discussing the importance of exercise in preventing diseases such as Type 2 diabetes). [6] We are not bound, at least in the particular context before us, by the panel's observation in Tessler, supra, 203 N.J.Super. at 485 , 497 A. 2d 530 , that "an exculpatory clause which bars suit f

12
Boyd v. Smithgreen
pa · 1953 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1967–2006
2 sentences

1967In Boyd v. Smith, 372 Pa. 306 , 94 A. 2d 44 (Sup. Ct. 1953), a defendant landlord relied on an exculpatory clause in the lease as a defense to an action grounded on the failure to comply with a legislative mandate for tenfement fire escapes; in rejecting the defense, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said: “Such a protective clause is undoubtedly valid and enforceable if it does not contravene any policy of the law, that is, if it is not a matter of interest to the public or the State but merely an agreement between persons relating entirely to their private affairs.

1967In Boyd v. Smith, 372 Pa. 306 , 94 A. 2d 44 (Sup. Ct. 1953), a defendant landlord relied on an exculpatory clause in the lease as a defense to an action grounded on the failure to comply with a legislative mandate for tenfement fire escapes; in rejecting the defense, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said: “Such a protective clause is undoubtedly valid and enforceable if it does not contravene any policy of the law, that is, if it is not a matter of interest to the public or the State but merely an agreement between persons relating entirely to their private affairs.

12
Freddi-Gail, Inc. v. Royal Holding Corp.green
njsuperctappdiv · 1955 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1971–1985
2 sentences

1985Carbone v. Cortlandt Realty Corp., 58 N.J. 366, 368 (1971); Freddi-Gail v. Royal Holding Corp., 34 N.J.

1971Super. 110, 118 (App. Div. 1956), aff'd on other grounds, 24 N.J. 139 (1957); Freddi-Gail v. Royal Holding Corp., 34 N.J.

12
Synnex Corp. v. ADT SECURITY SERV. INC.green
njsuperctappdiv · 2007 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
11
Capital Safety, Inc. v. Stategreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2004 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
11
Carvalho v. Toll Bros. and Developersgreen
nj · 1996 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Hubner v. SPRING VALLEY EQUESTRIANgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2009 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Stelluti v. CASAPENN ENTERPRISESgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2009 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Norris v. Borough of Leoniagreen
nj · 1999 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Scully v. Fitzgeraldgreen
nj · 2004 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Russell v. Salem Transportation Co.green
nj · 1972 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
11
Cardona v. Eden Realty Co., Inc.green
njsuperctappdiv · 1972 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
11
Tannock v. NJ Bell Telephone Co.green
njsuperctappdiv · 1986 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11
Lee v. Allied Sports Associates, Inc.green
mass · 1965 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
11
Sellon v. General Motors Corp.green
ded · 1981 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
11
State v. Breakirongreen
nj · 1987 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1987–1987
11
United States v. Levingreen
cod · 1953 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1975–1975
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (4)

CaseNegativeCited
McBride v. Raichle Molitor, USAgreen
nj · 1995 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
11
Jadlowski v. OWENS-CORNING FIBERGLAS CORPORATIONgreen
nj · 1996 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
11
McBride v. Minstar, Inc.green
njsuperctappdiv · 1994 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
11
McBride v. Raichle Molitor, USAgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 1995 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
11

Also cited on this issue (49)

CaseCitedYears
ULTIMATE COMPUTER SERVICES, INC. v. Biltmore Realty Co. neutral
nj · 1982
2 sentences

2010Ultimate Computer Servs., Inc. v. Biltmore Realty Co. Inc., 183 N.J.Super. 144 [ 443 A.2d 723 ] (App.Div.), certif. denied, 91 N.J. 184 [ 450 A.2d 522 ] (1982) (upholding an exculpatory clause limited to commercial tenancies). [Gershon v. Regency Diving Ctr., Inc., 368 N.J.Super 237, 247, 845 A.2d 720 (App.Div.2004).] See also Restatement (Second) of Torts § 496B comment c (1965).

2010Ultimate Computer Servs., Inc. v. Biltmore Realty Co. Inc., 183 N.J.Super. 144 [ 443 A. 2d 723 ] (App. Div.), certif. denied, 91 N.J. 184 [ 450 A. 2d 522 ] (1982) (upholding an exculpatory clause limited to commercial tenancies). [ Gershon v. Regency Diving Ctr., Inc., 368 N.J.Super. 237, 247 , 845 A. 2d 720 (App.Div.2004).] See also Restatement (Second) of Torts § 496B comment c (1965).

32004–2010
Ultimate Computer Services v. Biltmore Realty Co. green
njsuperctappdiv · 1982
2 sentences

2010Ultimate Computer Servs., Inc. v. Biltmore Realty Co. Inc., 183 N.J.Super. 144 [ 443 A. 2d 723 ] (App. Div.), certif. denied, 91 N.J. 184 [ 450 A. 2d 522 ] (1982) (upholding an exculpatory clause limited to commercial tenancies). [ Gershon v. Regency Diving Ctr., Inc., 368 N.J.Super. 237, 247 , 845 A. 2d 720 (App.Div.2004).] See also Restatement (Second) of Torts § 496B comment c (1965).

2010Ultimate Computer Servs., Inc. v. Biltmore Realty Co. Inc., 183 N.J.Super. 144 [ 443 A. 2d 723 ] (App. Div.), certif. denied, 91 N.J. 184 [ 450 A. 2d 522 ] (1982) (upholding an exculpatory clause limited to commercial tenancies). [ Gershon v. Regency Diving Ctr., Inc., 368 N.J.Super. 237, 247 , 845 A. 2d 720 (App.Div.2004).] See also Restatement (Second) of Torts § 496B comment c (1965).

32004–2010
McCarthy v. National Ass'n for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. green
nj · 1967
2 sentences

2006McCarthy v. NASCAR, Inc., 48 N.J. 539, 543 , 226 A.2d 713 (1967) (citing Boyd v. Smith, 372 Pa. 306 , 94 A.2d 44, 46 (1953)).

2006McCarthy v. NASCAR, Inc., 48 N.J. 539, 543 , 226 A.2d 713 (1967) (citing Boyd v. Smith, 372 Pa. 306 , 94 A.2d 44, 46 (1953)).

31997–2006
Lucier v. Williams green
njsuperctappdiv · 2004
2 sentences

2026Id. at 495 .

2009We reached a similar conclusion in Lucier, supra, 366 N.J.Super. at 493 , 841 A. 2d 907 , setting aside an exculpatory agreement that tried to cap a home inspector's monetary liability for his professional negligence.

22009–2026
State v. Jolley neutral
nj · 1982
2 sentences

2010Ultimate Computer Servs., Inc. v. Biltmore Realty Co. Inc., 183 N.J.Super. 144 [ 443 A.2d 723 ] (App.Div.), certif. denied, 91 N.J. 184 [ 450 A.2d 522 ] (1982) (upholding an exculpatory clause limited to commercial tenancies). [Gershon v. Regency Diving Ctr., Inc., 368 N.J.Super 237, 247, 845 A.2d 720 (App.Div.2004).] See also Restatement (Second) of Torts § 496B comment c (1965).

2010Ultimate Computer Servs., Inc. v. Biltmore Realty Co. Inc., 183 N.J.Super. 144 [ 443 A. 2d 723 ] (App. Div.), certif. denied, 91 N.J. 184 [ 450 A. 2d 522 ] (1982) (upholding an exculpatory clause limited to commercial tenancies). [ Gershon v. Regency Diving Ctr., Inc., 368 N.J.Super. 237, 247 , 845 A. 2d 720 (App.Div.2004).] See also Restatement (Second) of Torts § 496B comment c (1965).

22010–2010
Vincitore v. New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority green
nj · 2001
2 sentences

2010As we have said, the Tort Claims Act "reestablished the general rule of immunity but created narrow exceptions to that rule." Vincitore, supra, 169 N.J. at 124 , 777 A. 2d 9 (citations omitted).

2010As we have said, the Tort Claims Act "reestablished the general rule of immunity but created narrow exceptions to that rule." Vincitore, supra, 169 N.J. at 124 , 777 A. 2d 9 (citations omitted).

22010–2010
Marcinczyk v. Nj Police Training Commission green
njsuperctappdiv · 2009
2 sentences

2010Marcinczyk v. Police Training Comm'n, 406 N.J.Super. 608, 627-29 , 968 A. 2d 1205 (App.Div.2009).

2010Marcinczyk v. Police Training Comm'n, 406 N.J.Super. 608, 627-29 , 968 A. 2d 1205 (App.Div.2009).

22010–2010
Tessler and Son, Inc. v. Sonitrol SEC. Systems of Northern New Jersey, Inc. green
njsuperctappdiv · 1985
2 sentences

2009In any event, no one is asserting that ABI is still a party to the case. [4] Information regarding The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is available at: http://www.fitness.gov. [5] See generally New Jersey Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, http://www.nj.gov/ health/fhs/njcpfs/index.shtm/ (discussing the importance of exercise in preventing diseases such as Type 2 diabetes). [6] We are not bound, at least in the particular context before us, by the panel's observation in Tessler, supra, 203 N.J.Super. at 485 , 497 A. 2d 530 , that "an exculpatory clause which bars suit f

2009In any event, no one is asserting that ABI is still a party to the case. [4] Information regarding The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is available at: http://www.fitness.gov. [5] See generally New Jersey Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, http://www.nj.gov/ health/fhs/njcpfs/index.shtm/ (discussing the importance of exercise in preventing diseases such as Type 2 diabetes). [6] We are not bound, at least in the particular context before us, by the panel's observation in Tessler, supra, 203 N.J.Super. at 485 , 497 A. 2d 530 , that "an exculpatory clause which bars suit f

21994–2009
Chemical Bank of New Jersey National Ass'n v. Bailey green
njsuperctappdiv · 1997
2 sentences

2006Bank, N.A. v. Bailey, 296 N.J.Super. 515, 527 , 687 A.2d 316 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 150 N.J. 28 , 695 A.2d 671 (1997), and generally are valid and enforceable against individuals so long as the particular exculpatory clause does not involve a matter of public interest.

2006Bank, N.A. v. Bailey, 296 N.J.Super. 515, 527 , 687 A.2d 316 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 150 N.J. 28 , 695 A.2d 671 (1997), and generally are valid and enforceable against individuals so long as the particular exculpatory clause does not involve a matter of public interest.

22002–2006
CHEMICAL BANK OF NEW JERSEY NATIONAL ASS'N v. Bailey green
nj · 1997
2 sentences

2006Bank, N.A. v. Bailey, 296 N.J.Super. 515, 527 , 687 A.2d 316 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 150 N.J. 28 , 695 A.2d 671 (1997), and generally are valid and enforceable against individuals so long as the particular exculpatory clause does not involve a matter of public interest.

2006Bank, N.A. v. Bailey, 296 N.J.Super. 515, 527 , 687 A. 2d 316 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 150 N.J. 28 , 695 A. 2d 671 (1997), and generally are valid and enforceable against individuals so long as the particular exculpatory clause does not involve a matter of public interest.

22002–2006
Erlich v. First Nat'l Bank of Princeton green
njsuperctappdiv · 1984
2 sentences

1996Hence, “the courts will not enforce an exculpatory clause if ... exoneration of the party would adversely affect the public interest.” Erlich v. First Nat'l Bank of Princeton, 208 N.J.Super. 264, 287 , 505 A.2d 220 (Law Div.1984).

1996Hence, “the courts will not enforce an exculpatory clause if ... exoneration of the party would adversely affect the public interest.” Erlich v. First Nat'l Bank of Princeton, 208 N.J.Super. 264, 287 , 505 A.2d 220 (Law Div.1984).

21996–2004
McCarthy v. NAT. ASSOC. FOR STOCK CAR AUTO RACING green
njsuperctappdiv · 1965
2 sentences

1998Plaintiffs rely on McCarthy v. National Assoc. for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., 87 N.J.Super. 442, 450 , 209 A.2d 668 (Law Div.1965), aff'd, 90 N.J.Super. 574 , 218 A.2d 871 (App.Div.1966), aff'd, 48 N.J. 539 , 226 A.2d 713 (1967), to argue that defendants could not invoke the release to discharge their statutory responsibilities.

1998Plaintiffs rely on McCarthy v. National Assoc. for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., 87 N.J.Super. 442, 450 , 209 A.2d 668 (Law Div.1965), aff'd, 90 N.J.Super. 574 , 218 A.2d 871 (App.Div.1966), aff'd, 48 N.J. 539 , 226 A.2d 713 (1967), to argue that defendants could not invoke the release to discharge their statutory responsibilities.

21994–1998
Swisscraft Novelty Co. v. Alad Realty Corp. green
njsuperctappdiv · 1971
2 sentences

1997Where the interpretation of exculpatory clauses are involved, [t]he central question is not whether the parties agreed to insure against loss the risks they severally assumed inter sese but, rather, whether they so clearly allocated the risks that each party knew, or should have known, the existence of its contingent liability and was thus placed in a position where it could protect itself against such loss by adequate insurance coverage or otherwise. [Swisscraft Novelty Co. v. Alad Realty Corp., supra, 113 N.J.Super. at 422 , 274 A.2d 59 .] “The scope and application of an exculpatory clause

1997Where the interpretation of exculpatory clauses are involved, [t]he central question is not whether the parties agreed to insure against loss the risks they severally assumed inter sese but, rather, whether they so clearly allocated the risks that each party knew, or should have known, the existence of its contingent liability and was thus placed in a position where it could protect itself against such loss by adequate insurance coverage or otherwise. [Swisscraft Novelty Co. v. Alad Realty Corp., supra, 113 N.J.Super. at 422 , 274 A.2d 59 .] “The scope and application of an exculpatory clause

21994–1997
Ace Stone, Inc. v. Township of Wayne green
nj · 1966
2 sentences

1976It said: "The admitted goal is to ascertain and effectuate the contemplation or common intention of the parties." 47 N.J. at 439 . *408 In the case at bar the State in effect contends that it has the right to mislead the contractor (albeit innocently), to have it rely upon its representations to its detriment, and then to avoid liability for the contractor's ensuing damage on the basis of the "no damage" clause.

1975Justice Jacobs there cited and discussed with apparent approval a number of cases "where the exculpatory clause was construed to be inapplicable to a situation where the contractor proceeded pursuant to the public agency's direction *304 but found that the site was not available to him because of the agency's failure to have the necessary right-of-way or easement." 47 N.J. at 435 .

21975–1976
Psaty & Fuhrman, Inc. v. Housing Authority green
ri · 1949
2 sentences

1975In rejecting this argument the court cited Psaty & Fuhrman, Inc. v. Housing Authority of City of Providence, 76 R.I. 87 , 68 A. 2d 32 , 10 A.L.R. 2d 789 (Sup. Ct. 1949), and quoted therefrom as follows: The contractor in effect argues that the clause under consideration means that the Authority is excusable for reasonable delay only.

1975In rejecting this argument the court cited Psaty & Fuhrman, Inc. v. Housing Authority of City of Providence, 76 R.I. 87 , 68 A. 2d 32 , 10 A.L.R. 2d 789 (Sup. Ct. 1949), and quoted therefrom as follows: The contractor in effect argues that the clause under consideration means that the Authority is excusable for reasonable delay only.

21958–1975
Vitale v. Schering-Plough Corp. green
nj · 2017
1 sentence

2026See e.g., Muhammad, 189 N.J. at 22 (declining to enforce an adhesion contract stemming from unequal bargaining power); Henningsen v. Bloomfield Motors, Inc., 32 N.J. 358, 404 (1960) (declining to enforce an exculpatory clause within an automobile manufacturer's contract, as buyer had "no real freedom of choice," to enter into such); Vitale v. Schering-Plough Corp., 231 N.J. 234 (2017) (same); Vasquez v. Glassboro Serv.

12026–2026
Vasquez v. Glassboro Service Ass'n, Inc. green
nj · 1980
12026–2026
Marcinczyk v. STATE POLICE TRAINING COM'N green
nj · 2010
1 sentence

2026Marcinczyk, 203 N.J. at 594-600 .

12026–2026
Loeb v. US Dept. of Interior green
nyed · 1992
12012–2012
State v. Moore green
nj · 1991
12010–2010
Sunday v. Stratton Corp. green
vt · 1978
12010–2010
Carton v. Continental Casualty Co. green
nj · 1966
12007–2007
State v. Bowens green
nj · 1987
12006–2006
McCarthy v. NAT. ASSOC. FOR STOCK CAR AUTO RAC. green
njsuperctappdiv · 1966
11998–1998
Bahrle v. Exxon Corp. green
nj · 1996
11998–1998
Slowinski v. Valley Nat. Bank green
njsuperctappdiv · 1993
11998–1998
Bahrle v. Exxon Corp. green
njsuperctappdiv · 1995
11998–1998
Hy-Grade Oil Co. v. NJ BANK green
njsuperctappdiv · 1975
11997–1997
Tannock v. New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. green
njsuperctappdiv · 1988
11997–1997
HYGRADE OIL COMPANY v. New Jersey Bank green
nj · 1976
11997–1997
Cormier v. CENT. MASS. CHAPTER OF NATL. SAFETY COUNCIL green
mass · 1993
11994–1994
Johnson v. Cyklop Strapping Corp. green
njsuperctappdiv · 1987
11994–1994
Owens-Illinois, Inc. v. United Ins. Co. green
njsuperctappdiv · 1993
11994–1994
Gonsalves v. Commonwealth green
massappct · 1989
11994–1994
Mellk v. Sarahson green
nj · 1967
11994–1994
Natell v. HENLEY neutral
njsuperctappdiv · 1968
11992–1992
Cal. State Auto. Ass'n Inter-Insurance Bureau v. Barrett Garages, Inc. green
calctapp · 1967
11992–1992
Kravitz v. Parking Service Co. green
· 1940
11992–1992
In Re Jacob green
nj · 1984
11990–1990
Doyle v. Ohio green
scotus · 1976
11988–1988

Statutes the citing opinions construe

NJ § N.J. Stat. § 17:16C-1 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

IL 135 (1958–2025) NY 134 (1929–2025) PA 100 (1953–2025) CA 86 (1955–2025) NJ 62 (1953–2026) FL 60 (1967–2024) GA 47 (1962–2025) IN 43 (1976–2025) TX 41 (1970–2025) TN 32 (1973–2026) MO 31 (1957–2019) MN 28 (1971–2025) WA 28 (1967–2026) MA 21 (1956–2024) WI 20 (1965–2025) MD 20 (1962–2025) MI 17 (1931–2025) LA 14 (1966–2015) CO 14 (1981–2026) DC 13 (1970–2016) AL 13 (1980–2011) OH 12 (1956–2022) KY 10 (1977–2024) DE 9 (1972–2026) NC 8 (1972–2018) NM 8 (1966–2006) SC 8 (1984–2016) VT 8 (1995–2015) HI 7 (1975–2020) AR 7 (1962–2023) CT 7 (1969–2025) AK 6 (1974–2001) KS 6 (1967–1990) OR 6 (1965–2021) OK 6 (1989–2017) ID 5 (1998–2025) NH 5 (1970–2020) AZ 5 (1990–2021) WY 4 (1986–2018) WV 4 (1991–2024) IA 4 (1988–2021) NE 4 (1994–2023) ME 3 (1983–2020) RI 3 (2002–2009) ND 3 (1999–2022) NV 2 (2018–2018) SD 2 (1999–2018) MS 2 (1982–1997) VA 2 (1992–2024)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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