Opinion ID: 513964
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Validity of the Easement

Text: 22 1. Jerome makes an argument based on the fact that the written instrument signed by the parties January 27, 1965 was not complete. It provided for exceptions to be shown on a map to be attached at a later date. Lukes' testimony as to his usual practice suggests that markings on an aerial photograph were then in existence, had been agreed upon, and would be reflected in the map to be later certified if the government accepted the easement. But any possible merit to the argument that the indenture is invalid because at the date it was signed it omitted this significant material vanished in May, 1965 when the certified map was attached, the Schoenborns were asked to check the map and point out errors, and they accepted and cashed the tendered check. The document was complete by that time. 23 2. Two other arguments, claiming lack of informed consent by the senior Schoenborns, and mutual or unilateral mistake, rest upon the proposition that Ed's testimony as to his oral agreement with Lukes was accurate. There was no finding that it was, and Judge Devitt found that memories of the event had faded. There was a conflict between Ed's testimony that he agreed to an easement covering five basins, and Lukes' testimony (admittedly based on customary practice) that the map showed the only exceptions. The conflict has not been resolved except to the extent that Judge Devitt found that fraudulent conduct has not been established. We conclude, however, that the parol evidence rule forecloses the claim that the parties orally agreed in 1965 to something different from the completed document on record. 8