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Issue Statement

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Reasoning:

Risk Reduction

Darby, a widower and owner of some property near Lake Wonnahug, made an agreement in $1987$ with his neigbhour, Blankstein, wherein he allowed Blankstein and his family to go across a narrow path on the southern perimeter of Darby$$s lot to gain access to the lake. Several times Blankstein suggested that they $$make their agreement formal,$$ but somehow they never got around to doing anything until about six weeks before Darby, aged $66,$ died of a heart attack in $1998.$ At that time Darby signed a written document that said Blankstein could cross the property to gain access to the lake for $$an indefinite period of time.$$ Eight months after Darby$$s death, the executor of his estate sold the property to Woodward. Woodward moved in several weeks later. One spring day when Blankstein and his family were crossing Woodward$$s property to get to the lake, Woodward told them to get off his property. Blankstein later showed Woodward the document Darby signed. Said Woodward, $$I took business law and I happen to have heard of the privity of contract rule. This document does not affect me$.$ Blankstein has decided to take this matter to court.