Court Opinion

ID: 9722696
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 09:45:29.412493+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:24:38.814486
License: Public Domain

NARES, J., Dissentin
Although Iagree completely with sections I through III of the majority opinion, I dissent from the conclusion1 reached *1569in section IV. The release signed here clearly, plainly, and unambiguously informs a signer it is a release of “all liability, loss or damage . . . caused by or arising in any manner from my participation in the Magic of the Mind Show.” (Italics added.) In all fairness, it is difficult to imagine what more any drafter could do to advise a layperson the release covers all types of liability than to say so.
Of course, I acknowledge the series of cases stating the word “negligence” must be used if negligence is to be released. (See, e.g., Ferrell v. Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts, Ltd. (1983) 147 Cal.App.3d 309, 319 [195 Cal.Rptr. 90].)
However, as the majority correctly notes, the validity of a release should not turn on “magic” words. Instead, the issue is whether a layperson such as Hohe understood, from whatever language used, that she was releasing persons from negligence liability.
With this in mind, I turn (as does the majority) to the question of the parties’ intention when these release forms were signed. In resolving this question, the following facts are undisputed: (1) Sara had seen the hypnotism show before; (2) part of the show involved hypnotized persons falling down; (3) Sara solicited the opportunity to be hypnotized; and (4) prior to the show she (and her father) released the hypnotist and any third parties “from any and all liability.” (Italics added.)
I am unable to discern, as does the majority, the existence of any ambiguity in the phrase “any and all liability.”2 Sara had seen the show, was aware that participants would fall down, and elected to be among them. She now seeks compensation for injuries allegedly incurred when she fell down. The alleged harm is precisely that for which she released all others from liability. (Cf. Madison v. Superior Court (1988) 203 Cal.App.3d 589 [250 Cal.Rptr. 299]; Kurashige v. Indian Dunes, Inc. (1988) 200 Cal.App.3d 606 [246 Cal.Rptr. 310]; Coates v. Newhall Land & Farming, Inc. (1987) 191 Cal.App.3d 1 [236 Cal.Rptr. 181]; Hulsey v. Elsinore Parachute Center (1985) 168 Cal.App.3d 333 [214 Cal.Rptr. 194].) Based upon the foregoing, I would hold the release effective and affirm the judgment.

 I agree with the majority’s statements in section IV regarding the social value of releases and the difficulties which face the successful drafter of a release.

 The release, quoted in footnote 2 of the majority opinion, ante, page 1563, is not written in legalese or insurance company double-talk.