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Parol Evidence Rule

Contract and Property Doctrine

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Origin English common law origin; the term parol traces to Anglo-Norman French practice of oral pleading.

The parol evidence rule is a substantive rule of common law contract doctrine that, once parties have reduced their agreement to a final written document, generally bars the introduction of extrinsic evidence, such as prior or contemporaneous oral statements, to contradict or vary the terms of that writing. Its name derives from the Anglo-Norman French parol, meaning word of mouth or oral, reflecting its origin in a period when court pleadings were made orally; the rule rests on the premise that when parties deliberately memorialize their bargain in a single written document, that document, not earlier oral discussion, should govern its terms.

Facts
Origin Period
English common law origin; the term parol traces to Anglo-Norman French practice of oral pleading. 1
Core Principle
Extrinsic evidence is inadmissible to vary the terms of a written contract that the parties intended as the final expression of their agreement. 1
Cross-Tradition Connections

In Legal System

Sources
1. Parol Evidence Rule (Wikipedia)
WikipediaDefinition section
Quote, Definition section
extrinsic evidence is inadmissible to vary a written contract.
View the Source
1. Parol Evidence Rule (Wikipedia)
WikipediaIn Legal System: Common LawView the Source
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