The parol evidence rule states that which of the following is true?

The parol evidence rule states that which of the following is true?

• A. The parol evidence rule applies only to oral contracts.
• B. The writing is always subordinate to prior oral terms.
• C. Parol evidence allows oral modifications to override written terms.
• D. Oral statements cannot modify a written contract; the writing controls.

Answer: (D)

When a contract is reduced to writing and meant to be the final expression of the agreement, the writing controls and oral statements cannot be used to change its terms. The parol evidence rule bars outside evidence that would vary, contradict, or add to the written terms, so oral promises don’t override what the document says. There are exceptions—for example, if the contract isn’t fully integrated, or to address issues like fraud, mistake, ambiguity, or a separate collateral agreement outside the writing—but in the typical scenario the written terms stand as the controlling record.

When a contract is reduced to writing and meant to be the final expression of the agreement, the writing controls and oral statements cannot be used to change its terms. The parol evidence rule bars outside evidence that would vary, contradict, or add to the written terms, so oral promises don’t override what the document says. There are exceptions—for example, if the contract isn’t fully integrated, or to address issues like fraud, mistake, ambiguity, or a separate collateral agreement outside the writing—but in the typical scenario the written terms stand as the controlling record.