Parol Evidence Rule

the parol evidence rule determines what oral statements and other evidence made before or at the time a contract is made may be admitted into evidence. The PER renders unenforceable oral statements or agreements entered into prior to the adoption of a written contract. The rationale behind the PER is to have the terms of a written contract—which a court can review—determined the obligation of the parties and not change the terms of the contracts. The PER, though, also allows unscrupulous sellers to make oral representations to induce parties to enter agreements but then assert that such inducements are unenforceable if they were not included in the written agreement. See Fraudulent Inducement.