The Rule against Disturbing Plain Meaning of Writings

Abstract

N A discussion of any phase of the so-called parol evidence rule, it seems worth while, probably necessary, to keep in mind that actually there is no single rule which properly may be called The Parol Evidence Rule. There are four parol evidence rules, not one.? One parol evidence rule has to do with integration. This rule deals with the problem whether a party or parties have embodied in a written instrument or instruments his or their legal acts.2 A second parol evidence rule relates to interpretation of written instruments, the application of written instruments to external objects.3 A third rule has to do with the creation of legal acts and hence is concerned with whether they are what they purport to be, whether they are void or voidable.4 The fourth rule relates to the solemnization of legal acts and therefore deals with the question whether the formalities of the law have been complied with; for example, the sufficiency of a mem-