A waiver or release is the intentional and voluntary act of relinquishing something, such as a known right to sue a person, educational institution, or organization for an injury. The term waiver is sometimes used to refer a document that is signed before any damages actually occur. A release is sometimes used to refer a document that is executed after an injury has occurred. A waiver can be an effective way for a person, educational institution, or organization to inform the releasing party of the risks involved in various activities and to shield the person, educational institution, or organization from liability.