Legal Definitions - parol

Parol refers to something that is spoken or otherwise unwritten. In legal contexts, it describes information, statements, or agreements that exist orally rather than being formally documented in writing. It is often used in conjunction with the "parol evidence rule," which generally limits the ability to introduce oral evidence that contradicts or modifies a complete written contract.

Here are some examples to illustrate the meaning of parol:

• Verbal Agreement in a Lease: Imagine a tenant is signing a one-year apartment lease. During the walkthrough, the landlord verbally promises to replace the old refrigerator within the first month. However, this promise is not written into the final lease agreement. This verbal promise is considered parol because it was spoken and not included in the written contract.

  This example demonstrates parol as an unwritten, oral agreement made alongside a formal written document.

• Business Negotiation Side-Promise: Two companies are negotiating a complex service contract. During a meeting, one company's representative verbally assures the other that, despite what the draft contract says about payment terms, they will be flexible if there's a delay in project completion. This assurance is not added to the final signed contract.

  Here, the verbal assurance is parol information because it is an unwritten statement made during negotiations, separate from the formal written agreement.

• Salesperson's Claim: A customer is buying a new computer. The salesperson tells them, "This laptop comes with free lifetime technical support, no matter what." However, the written warranty and service agreement clearly state that free support is only for the first year.

  The salesperson's verbal claim about "free lifetime technical support" is parol because it is an oral statement that is not reflected in the official written documentation accompanying the product.