Definition
The principle that once you've got a written contract, you can't bring in outside oral statements to contradict it. It's the law's way of saying 'if it wasn't important enough to write down, it wasn't important enough to enforce.'
Example Usage
The parol evidence rule barred the defendant from testifying about verbal promises made before signing the contract.
Origin
From 'parol,' meaning oral or verbal, in common law contract doctrine
Fun Fact
Despite its name, the parol evidence rule can also exclude written evidence like emails or notes if they contradict the final written agreement.
Source: Common contract law terminology
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “parol evidence rule” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator