Assignment task:
This week we focus on a defenses to contract enforcement; Duress. The scenario given is simply an exercise to distinguish between duress and undue influence. The actual facts may or may not be different from the facts provided in this scenario.
Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr. is an American former record producer, music executive, former American football player and convicted criminal. He is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records. Death Row Records rose to dominate the rap charts after Dr. Dre's breakthrough album The Chronic in 1992, Wikipedia. He was notorious for using unconventional methods of getting recording artists to sign his contracts. Suge Knight took Vanilla Ice to the 25th floor of a Las Vegas hotel room, and held him over the balcony. He was ordered to sign a recording contract, or else Suge would drop him to his death. On it's face, there appears to be an agreement as evidenced by an offer and acceptance. There also appears to be consideration, capacity and legality. So it appears on the face that there is a valid contract. However, Vanilla Ice was fearful for his life. Vanilla ice refused to perform under the contract. Suge sued Vanilla Ice for Breach of Contract. Please answer the following questions:
1. Please identify the defenses that would give Vanilla relief under the contract.
2. Define each defense.
3. Discuss how the facts given in our scenario (DO NOT ADD FACTS) apply or do not apply to the definition of the defenses identified in question 1.
4. Then come to a conclusion. Do not just discuss personal feelings. Stick with the facts. Should this contract be enforced?