Opinion ID: 1978155
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Parol evidence question.

Text: On cross-examination appellant Oster was questioned at length about his wealth. Appellant now argues that this testimony was a violation of the parol evidence rule because it required Oster to impeach his written promise to invest $120,000 and lend the corporation $30,000. Appellant has not correctly viewed this evidence. The court allowed this evidence because [i]t pertained to the issue of the [appellant's] power to borrow money, a matter directly apropos his agreement to secure credit for the enterprise at a reduced interest rate. One of the allegations in the complaint in support of his third cause of action against Oster is that Oster did not obtain credit for Campfire at the best possible rates. It is not the contention of respondent that Oster was required to do this by the agreement, but rather that when he did lend money to Campfire he did so at exorbitant rates of interest. The evidence of his wealth was introduced to demonstrate that a person of his financial standing could have obtained credit at rates better than those which he did on behalf of Campfire. Inasmuch as this evidence was not intended to vary the terms of the written instrument, its introduction does not violate the parol evidence rule. [17]