Opinion ID: 526531
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: A & M/C's Failure to Object to Parol Evidence at Trial

Text: 44 UE & C further argues that because A & M/C failed to object to the introduction of custom and usage evidence at trial, it cannot raise the issue on appeal. It is of interest to note that the case cited by UE & C to support its argument on this point actually comes up with the opposite conclusion based on Washington substantive law. Specifically, according to Anderson v. Owens, 205 F.2d 940, 942 (9th Cir.1953), parol evidence may not be used to alter the terms of a contract whether that evidence be objected to or not, though unlike the situation in Anderson, the parol evidence in the instant case is arguably used to clarify, not alter, the contract. 45 In fact, although there is a general principle that failure to object at trial to the admission of evidence constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal, ESCO Corp. v. United States, 750 F.2d 1466 (9th Cir.1985), this waiver principle is not applied to the admission of parol evidence in jurisdictions where the parol evidence rule is considered a rule of substantive law. 4 S. Williston, A Treatise on the Law of Contracts Sec. 631, p. 961. 3 In Arizona, the parol evidence rule is a rule of substantive law. Rental Dev. Corp. of Am. v. Rubenstein Constr. Co., 96 Ariz. 133, 393 P.2d 144 (1964). 46