What does the parol evidence rule state regarding contracts?

The parol evidence rule is a fundamental legal principle in contract law, particularly focused on the admissibility of oral statements or agreements made prior to or during the formation of a written contract. This rule asserts that when parties have reduced their agreement to a written document, any oral statements or agreements that contradict or alter that written contract are generally inadmissible in court.

This ensures that the written contract is regarded as the complete and final representation of the parties' agreement, thereby protecting the integrity of written contracts. If a dispute arises, judges typically refer to the written text as the primary source of the parties’ intentions and obligations, rather than considering potentially unreliable oral evidence.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the parol evidence rule. For instance, while oral agreements can be enforceable in certain contexts, the parol evidence rule specifically addresses the weight and relevance of oral statements in relation to pre-existing written contracts. Furthermore, the notion that parol evidence is entirely invalid is incorrect, as certain exceptions do exist, allowing for the introduction of external evidence in specific situations. Lastly, the idea that oral agreements supersede written contracts contradicts the essence of the parol evidence rule, which seeks to uphold the primacy of written documents over any conflicting