Question: What is the “Parol Evidence Rule” and how does it relate to contracts?
Answer: The parol evidence rule bars the admission of any evidence of oral representations that contradicts a written contract. An exception to the parol evidence rule applies, however, in the case of fraud in the inducement, where a party was “induced” through fraudulent representations to enter a contract. For example, the parol evidence rule will not bar the admission of extrinsic evidence concerning the circumstances surrounding the execution of the lease. The parol evidence rule has no application to exclude evidence of mistake.