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Exculpatory Clauses In Leases, Margaret Mazza

Cleveland State Law Review

Exculpatory clauses in leases are used in order to free the lessor from liability for his future acts of negligence. For the purpose of this article we will assume that there was a legal duty resting upon the party asserting the clause as a defense. The validity of such a provision then requires a choice between two conflicting policies: (1) a person should be liable for the negligent breach of his duty; (2) a person should have the right to contract freely. The common law developed the rights and duties of the parties in certain relations and determined that damages …