Opinion ID: 1678650
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Branch's Contract

Text: The trial court's order sets out in general terms the conditions under which a contract may be held to be unconscionable. More specifically, it discussed and applied the Layne v. Garner factors, namely: (1) whether there was an absence of meaningful choice on one party's part, (2) whether the contractual terms are unreasonably favorable to one party, (3) whether there was unequal bargaining power among the parties, and (4) whether there were oppressive, one-sided or patently unfair terms in the contract. 612 So.2d at 408. For ease of discussion, we can reduce the Layne v. Garner test further to one comprised of two essential elements: (1) terms that are grossly favorable to a party that has (2) overwhelming bargaining power. Where these elements are present, Alabama courts will intervene under the guidance of § 5-19-16. Applying these factors, we conclude that the arbitration clause in Branch's contract is unconscionable.