Philip Has Been in Training for Several Months and Now

question 34

Essay

Philip has been in training for several months and now plans to run in the school-sponsored, 10-mile, fun-run mini-marathon. He completes and signs an entry blank which contains the statement, "I hereby agree to hold the sponsors harmless for any injury sustained as a result of participation in this event no matter how such injury may be caused."
a. What is the legal term for this clause in the agreement?
b. Is the clause valid and legally enforceable? Explain its legal effect.

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Definitions:

Helplessness

A state of being unable to prevent or avoid negative situations, often leading to decreased motivation or depression.

Passivity

The trait of being inactive or submissive, often resulting in the absence of response or resistance.

Retardation of Learning

The slowing down or hindrance in the acquisition of knowledge, skills, or behaviors, often due to external or internal factors.

Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer

A type of reinforcer that has become reinforcing through its association with one or more other reinforcers, often used in operant conditioning.