21-Contract Terms: Exclusion Clauses Flashcards
Exclusion clause definition
A term in contract that prevents one party being liable for a breach of contract
A term in contract that prevents one party being liable for a breach of contract
Exclusion clause definition
Who established that a contract should be considered as a whole rather than through specific terms IOT gauge intentions of contract?
What case?
Lord Halsbury
Glynn v Margetson (1893)
Lord Halsbury established what in Glynn v Margetson (1893)?
That a contract should be considered as a whole rather than its specific terms when understand its intention.
Terms can be disregarded if they conflict with intention of contract.
When interpreting a contract what is the first point to consider?
Case
Language in the contract.
Pink Floyd Ltd. v EMI Records (2010)
What case supports the principle that ordinary English words will mean what they say as long as they’re unambiguous.
Pink Floyd Ltd v EMI Records (2010)
What case supports the principle that if the words are unambiguous an objective test should be applied?
Who said this?
Investors Compensation Scheme v West Bromwich BS (1998)
Lord Hoffman
Investors Compensation Scheme v West Bromwich BS (1998)
Established what?
Who established?
If words are not clear-objective test applied to interpretation of contract.
What would reasonable man interpret to be intention of contract.
What case supports that post-contract conduct is not usually a guide to interpretation?
MT Højgaard v E.ON and Renewables Robin Rigg (2014)
MT Højgaard v E.ON and Renewables Robin Rigg (2014)
Supports what principle regarding contractual interpretation?
Post-contract conduct isn’t not usually a guide to interpretation.
What three things must the court consider regarding the validity of an exclusion clause?
1) Agreement signed-L’Estrange v Graucob (1934)
2) Notice given of exclusion terms in contract-Olley v Marlborough Court Council (1949)
3) Term incorporated as result of previous dealings-Hollier v Rambler Motors (1972)
What case demonstrates that if party has signed agreement they are then bound by it?
Brief Facts:
L’Estrange v Graucob (1934)
Woman bought Cig Vending machine for her Cafe. Didn’t work but she signed agreement excluding liability for such an outcome meaning she could not claim.
L’Estrange v Graucob (1934)
Supports what principle?
If agreement is signed- parties are bound by it.
Woman bought Cig Vending machine for her Cafe. Didn’t work but she signed agreement excluding liability for such an outcome meaning she could not claim.
What case contrasts with the findings in L’Estrnge v Graucob (1934) in that exclusion clauses even when signed can be useless if misrepresentation occurs?
Curtis v Chemical Cleaning and Dyeing Ltd (1951)
Facts: woman signs contact to clean her dress and asks for clarity on exclusion clause stating no responsibility for damage.
Shop attendant says that’s just for beads or sequins.
Woman dress returned with stain but the representation orally given applies instead of the clause.
Curtis v Chemical Cleaning and Dyeing (1951)
What principle does this case support?
Principle: even signed contracts with exclusions can be exempt due to representation given at time of signing.
Facts: woman signs contact to clean her dress and asks for clarity on exclusion clause stating no responsibility for damage.
Shop attendant says that’s just for beads or sequins.
Woman dress returned with stain but the representation orally given applies instead of the clause.
What case supports the principle that notice should be given for an exclusion clause to be affective?
Olley v Marlborough Court Hotel (1949)
Facts: C booked into hotel at reception desk and left keys there to go out. Keys were taken and items stolen from room. Only notice of exclusion clause denying responsibility was in the room therefore no notice was given during forming of contract.
Olley v Marlborough Court Hotel (1949)
Principle: notice of exclusion clause must be given before contract for it to be valid.
Facts: C booked into hotel at reception desk and left keys there to go out. Keys were taken and items stolen from room. Only notice of exclusion clause denying responsibility was in the room therefore no notice was given during forming of contract.
What case supports the principle that previous dealings of the parties does not necessarily validate an exclusion clause?
Hollier v Rambler Motors (1972)
Facts: Previous customer of garage. Dropped car off there but was damaged on the one occasion he didn’t sign a contract. Garage was liable for damage despite an exclusion clause customer had previously signed.
Hollier v Rambler Motors (1972)
Principle: that even previous dealings between parties does not necessarily constitute validity of exclusion terms.
Facts: Previous customer of garage. Dropped car off there but was damaged on the one occasion he didn’t sign a contract. Garage was liable for damage despite an exclusion clause customer had previously signed.
What case demonstrates an early example of a third party not being entitled to exclusion clauses?
Scruttons Ltd. v Midland Silicones (1961)
Facts: contract between carrier and C did not extend to the offloaded of goods (D)
Scrutton Ltd. v Midland Silicones (1961)
What does this demonstrate regarding earlier law on privity of contracts and exclusion clauses?
Example of: exclusion clauses did not used to cover third parties.
Facts: contract between carrier and C did not extend to the offloaded of goods (D)
What case demonstrates a successful evasion of the rule of privity regarding exclusion clauses allowing a third party a defence?
NZ Shipping v Satterwhaite (1974)
Facts: similar in facts to that of Scruttons Ltd v Midland Silicone (1961) except the contract covered third parties that helped the carrier.
NZ Shipping v Satterwhaite (1974)
What does this case demonstrate regarding the Rule of Privity reference exclusion clauses?
Demonstrates: contrast with Scruttons Ltd v Midland Silicone (1961).
Successful evasion of rule of privity regarding exclusion clauses
Facts: similar in facts to that of Scruttons Ltd v Midland Silicone (1961) except the contract covered third parties that helped the carrier.
s1(6) Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
Permit 3rd party to rely on exclusion clauses.
As similar to NZ Shipping v Satterwhaite (1974)
What act and section allows 3rd parties to rely on exclusion clauses?
s1(6) Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
s1(3) Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
How does this relate to exclusion clauses and privity of contract
ID’s third parties as a member of a class or as answering to a particular description.
(D is entitled to exclusion clauses by being involved with contract)
ID’s third parties as a member of a class or as answering to a particular description.
(D is entitled to exclusion clauses by being involved with contract)
What act and section provides for this?
s1(3) Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
s1(2) Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
D May in their own right enforce a term of a contract
3rd party can enforce exclusion clauses by being involved in delivering a contract