Which statement correctly describes the parol evidence rule regarding integration and extrinsic evidence?

Which statement correctly describes the parol evidence rule regarding integration and extrinsic evidence?

• A. The four corners rule allows extrinsic evidence to contradict the writing.
• B. Prior or contemporaneous extrinsic evidence can contradict the writing.
• C. Extrinsic evidence cannot contradict a fully integrated writing; the integration is determined by four corners.
• D. Parol evidence can always be used to modify contract terms.

Answer: (C)

The parol evidence rule limits using outside statements to contradict or modify a contract that is a complete, final writing. Whether a contract is complete and final is decided by looking at the four corners of the document—the four corners test. If the writing itself expresses a complete agreement, it’s fully integrated, and extrinsic evidence cannot be used to contradict its terms. Extrinsic evidence may still be used to interpret ambiguous language, but it cannot overturn what the writing plainly states. That’s why the correct description is that extrinsic evidence cannot contradict a fully integrated writing, and the integration is determined by four corners. The other statements misstate the rule: extrinsic evidence can’t be used to contradict a fully integrated contract, and parol evidence isn’t always available to modify terms.

The parol evidence rule limits using outside statements to contradict or modify a contract that is a complete, final writing. Whether a contract is complete and final is decided by looking at the four corners of the document—the four corners test. If the writing itself expresses a complete agreement, it’s fully integrated, and extrinsic evidence cannot be used to contradict its terms. Extrinsic evidence may still be used to interpret ambiguous language, but it cannot overturn what the writing plainly states.

That’s why the correct description is that extrinsic evidence cannot contradict a fully integrated writing, and the integration is determined by four corners. The other statements misstate the rule: extrinsic evidence can’t be used to contradict a fully integrated contract, and parol evidence isn’t always available to modify terms.