What is the parol evidence rule and why is it important?

The parol evidence rule is a legal principle that is important in contract law in California. This rule states that if there is an agreement in writing, any additional evidence or agreements that were made verbally or orally prior to or during the time of the written agreement are not admitted into court. This is important because it ensures that the parties involved in a written contract can rely on the written agreement as the complete and final agreement that they must adhere to. This rule helps protect parties from being taken advantage of by another party. For example, say that two parties agree to an exchange of goods in writing, but one party verbally promises the other party an additional payment for a service. If the parol evidence rule applied, then the verbal promise would not be able to be brought into court as evidence- meaning that the party who was expecting the additional payment would not be able to present it as evidence and would not receive the payment. The parol evidence rule is also important for protecting parties from fraud. It ensures that if a contract is made in writing, no other terms or conditions can be added unless the other party agrees to it in writing. This helps to protect people from making agreements based on false oral promises that were not included in the written agreement. Overall, the parol evidence rule helps to protect the parties involved in a contract. By preventing oral or verbal evidence from being admitted in court, it ensures that the parties are held to the terms and conditions that are written in the agreement.

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What is the parol evidence rule and why is it important?

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