Court Opinion

ID: 9688865
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 18:09:43.26209+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:18:42.710178
License: Public Domain

JOHNSON, Judge
(concurring specially).
While agreeing with the general analysis and result in the majority opinion, I believe some further explanation may be in order regarding the scope of the condition precedent in relation to the parol evidence rule. The parol evidence rule limits the introduction of oral testimony to vary or contradict the terms of a written document. The trial court was properly concerned with this rule, which is designed to maintain the integrity of written agreements. Most business transactions are founded on the validity of written agreements and the law should not favor setting aside such agreements on the basis of subsequent oral statements.
The existence of a condition precedent may be considered an exception to the rule or a situation where the rule has no application. Parol testimony is admissible to prove a condition precedent to the legal effectiveness of a written agreement, if the condition does not contradict the express terms of such written agreement. Hicks v. Bush, 10 N.Y.2d 488, 225 N.Y.S.2d 34, 180 N.E.2d 425 (1962); Weirton Savings & Loan Company v. Cortez, 203 S.E.2d 468 (W.Va.1974); Marshall & Isley Bank v. Milwaukee Gear Co., 62 Wis.2d 768, 216 N.W.2d 1 (1974). See Restatement, Contracts, § 241. If, for example, the written contract provides for prompt delivery of goods presently available a party cannot present testimony of a condition precedent that the goods be obtained by the seller. See Hicks v. Bush, supra. There are limits to the application of a condition precedent.