In Law, What is the Difference Between Parol Evidence and Extrinsic Evidence?
There are two major rules to follow when it comes to contracts and contract law. One is to get everything in writing, and the other is to know exactly what you are signing. Should a contract dispute result in the filing of a civil lawsuit, the written word often supersedes any oral or implied agreement. This is the basis for what is known in contract law as the parol evidence rule. Under common law, parol evidence such as a signed contract is considered to be “fully integrated,” meaning it is the last and most official form of a binding agreement. This parol evidence rule can be legally challenged, however, by the presentation of extrinsic evidence in court. Extrinsic evidence might include oral changes to the contract before it became finalized, or external circumstances such as fraud or coercion which could make the parol evidence unenforceable. It could also be argued through extrinsic evidence that the contract was signed under duress, or that it is not the latest or final draft of
