Case ID: ohio-law-abs_1/html/0314-03.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "CHITTENDEN, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

No. 282
    GOLNER v. LAWRENCE
    Ohio Court of Appeals, Lucas County
    No. 58205.
    March 19, 1923
    EVIDENCE — (1) Admissibility of oral evidence to contradict terms of written instrument.
    (Sayre, Middleton-and Mauck, JJ. Fourth District, Sitting)
    Attorneys — Garrison & Phillips, for Golner; Steele and Sayles, for Lawrence.
   CHITTENDEN, J.

Epitomized Opinion

• Lawerence brought an action to recover $697, which he claimed was due him as commissions earned in the sale of automobiles for the defendant. Defendant filed a general denial and the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff. The defendant introduced in evidence a written settlement or release signed by Lawrence. The Ijatter attempted to explain this incident by showing that it,did not in fact cover commissions upon the sale of three trucks, although the settlement specifically referred to both pleasure cars and trucks. This evidence was objected to by, the defendant, but the objection was overruled. The plaintiff prosecuted error, claiming that the admission of such evidence was prejudicial error. In reversing the judgment, the court held:

1. It is prejudicial error to admit oral evidence to' vary or contradict the terms of a written instrument.