1 Parol evidence rule: The parol evidence rule governs the effect of a written agreement

on any prior oral or written agreements between the parties. Simplifying somewhat, the
rule provides that a writing intended by the parties to be a full and final expression of
their agreement may not be supplemented or contradicted by any oral or written
agreements made prior to the writing.
a Subsequent oral agreement: The parol evidence rule does not bar admission of
evidence of oral agreements made after the writing.
b Interpretation: The parol evidence rule does not bar admission of evidence about
the meaning the parties intended to give to particular contract terms.
2 Rules of interpretation: There are a number of general rules or maxims for
interpreting the meaning of ambiguous contractual terms. For instance:
a Ambiguous terms: Generally, an ambiguous term will be construed against the
draftsman.
b Custom: Evidence of custom may be admitted to show that the parties intended
for a contract term to have a particular meaning. Sources of custom include course
of performance (how the parties have interpreted the term during the life of the
present contract), course of dealing (how the parties have interpreted the same
term in prior contracts between them) and trade usage (the meaning attached to a
term within a particular industry).
c Omitted terms: The court may supply a reasonable term in a situation where the
contract is silent. (Example: Courts in contract cases frequently supply a duty to act
in good faith.)
THE PAROL EVIDENCE RULE GENERALLY
1 How the rule applies: Before signing a written agreement, the parties typically engage
in preliminary oral negotiations. Furthermore, they may exchange pieces of paper (e.g.,
letters, lists of items for discussion, etc.) that are not intended to be contracts in
themselves. When the written contract is finally signed, it may fail to include any
treatment of some of the issues raised in these preliminary oral discussions or written
documents, or it may deal with these issues in a way that is different from their
treatment in the earlier discussions. When this occurs, to what extent may one party
later try to prove in court that these earlier oral or written discussions are part of the
contract, despite their absence from the writing?
a

Effect of the rule: The parol evidence rule, whose precise formulation varies
from one authority to another, attempts to answer this question. In its more strict
forms, the parol evidence rule results in barring from the factfinders consideration
all evidence of certain preliminary agreements that are not contained in the final
writing, even though this evidence might persuasively establish that the preliminary
agreement did in fact take place and that the parties intended it to remain part of
their deal despite its absence from the writing.
TOTAL AND PARTIAL INTEGRATION

1 The concept of integration: A written document does not always represent a deal
that the parties consider final. The writing may, for instance, be intended only as a
tentative draft of their agreement. But if the parties do intend a document to represent
the final expression of their agreement, the document is said to be an integration of
their agreement. The parol evidence rule applies, as we shall see, only to documents
which are integrations, i.e., final expressions of agreement.

2 Partial vs. total integrations: Once it is determined that a document is an

integration (i.e., a final expression of agreement), it must be determined whether the
parties intended that integration to contain all of the details of their agreement, or only
some of these details. If the document is intended only as a memorandum of the
agreement, it may state only the most important details, and leave the others to the
parties recollection.
a Partial integration: If the document is not intended by the parties to include all
details of their agreement, it is said to be a partial integration.
b Total integration: If, on the other hand, the document is intended by the parties to
include all the details of their agreement, it is called a total integration.
2 Statement of the parol evidence rule: Having defined the concepts of partial
integration and total integration, we are now ready to state the parol evidence rule.
The rule has, in effect, two parts, one dealing with partial integrations, and the other with
total integrations. The rule provides as follows:
a Partial integration: When a writing is a partial integration, no evidence of prior or
contemporaneous agreements or negotiations (oral or written) may be admitted if
this evidence would contradict a term of the writing.
b Total integration: When a document is a total integration, no evidence of prior or
contemporaneous agreements or negotiations (oral or written) may be admitted
which would either contradict or even add to the writing.
c Summary of rule: In summary, the parol evidence rule provides that evidence of
prior agreement: may never be admitted to contradict an integrated writing, and
may furthermore not even supplement an integration that is intended to be
complete. See Rest. 2d, 213.
2 Contemporaneous and subsequent expressions: Thus far, we have spoken only of
oral or written expressions that occur prior to a written integration. If an oral agreement
occurs at the same time as the writing is signed, most courts treat it as they would treat
a prior oral statement, i.e., precluding it from being introduced to contradict the writing,
or to supplement the writing if it is a total integration.
a Contemporaneous writing: If an ancillary writing is signed at the same time a
formal document is signed, the ancillary document will usually be treated as part
of the writing, and will thus not be subject to the parol evidence rule. In other
words, the writings will be treated as if they formed one document, and everything
in them will be considered by the court in construing the contract.
b Subsequent agreements: It is essential to remember that the parol evidence rule
never bars consideration of subsequent oral agreements. That is, a written contract
may always be modified after its execution, by an oral agreement. The most
ironclad written contract can always be cut in two by the acetylene torch of parol
modification supported by adequate proof.
i No-oral-modification clauses: Of course, the parties often put into their
writing a no oral modification (N.O.M.) clause. As the name implies, an N.O.M.
clause says that the writing cannot be modified except via an amendment
signed by both parties.
1 Enforceability: Courts typically enforce N.O.M. clauses, holding that where
such a clause exists, a true modification or amendment to the writing
cannot be made except by another signed writing.
2 Subject to waiver: However, the practical effect of N.O.M. clauses is
frequently weakened by courts use of the doctrine of waiver the
contract is not modified by a later oral agreement, but A is frequently held
to have waived the benefit of the N.O.M. clause by inducing B to rely on As
oral statements that some provision of the contract wont be insisted upon.

ii

iii

3 Change orders in construction contracts: The tendency of the waiver

doctrine to weaken the effect of an N.O.M. clause is frequently illustrated in
construction contracts. Such contracts generally contain a type of N.O.M.
clause inserted for the owners benefit, providing that no request for extra
work will be effective unless it is made in a writing signed by the owner. Yet
this kind of clause is often ineffective because of the waiver doctrine.
Explicit modification required: But for a no-oral-modification clause to be
rendered ineffective, it is usually required that something more occur than a
mere oral agreement to overlook the clause. For a waiver of the no-oralmodifications clause to be effective, the party trying to escape from the clause
must generally show that she relied, i.e., that she materially changed her
position in reliance upon the waiver.
UCC: When a no oral modification clause is present in a contract governed by
the UCC, a similar rule regarding waiver applies.
1 under UCC 2-209( 2), a no-oral-modification clause will generally be
effective. But even though this statutory provision seems to make no-oralmodification clauses more readily enforced than they are at common law,
2-209( 4) undercuts some of the practical impact of using such a clause:
Although an attempt at modification does not satisfy the requirements of
[a valid no-oral-modification clause] it can operate as a waiver. So if the
parties purport to make an oral modification of a sales contract containing a
no-oral-modification clause, the attempted modification will probably be
effective as a waiver, at least where the party claiming waiver has
materially changed his position in reliance.

2 The UCCs parol evidence rule: The parol evidence rule set forth in the UCC is
basically the same as the common-law version of the rule, described above.
a Text of rule: 2-202 provides that: Terms with respect to which the confirmatory
memoranda of the parties agree or which are otherwise set forth in a writing
intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement with respect to such
terms as are included therein may not be contradicted by evidence of any
prior agreement or of a contemporaneous oral agreement but may be
explained or supplemented:
i by course of performance, course of dealing or usage of trade; and
ii by evidence of consistent additional terms unless the court finds the writing to
have been intended also as a complete and exclusive statement of the
agreement.
b Summary of Code provision: So to summarize the Code rule:
i If a writing is a final expression of the parties agreement (i.e., an integration),
it may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior agreement, whether written
or oral, nor of any oral agreement that is contemporaneous with the writing.
ii Even a final expression may, however, be explained or supplemented (as
opposed to contradicted) by:
1 evidence of course of dealing, trade usage, and course of performance and
by
2 evidence of consistent additional terms, unless the court concludes that
the writing was intended not only as a final statement, but also as a
complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement (i.e., a
complete or total integration).
ii Special terms: Under the UCC (and probably in most non-UCC cases as well),
even a complete integration may be explained or interpreted by reference to
course of dealing, usage of trade, and course of performance, terms which
are discussed in the later part of this chapter. (Evidence relating to these terms

iii

does not usually provide the substance of the agreement, but instead aids in the
interpretation of the meaning of the parties own words; for this reason, such
evidence is not subject to the parol evidence rule, either under the UCC or under
non-UCC common law.)
Difference between Code and non-Code law: The Code language quoted
above sets forth almost precisely the same parol evidence rule as was
summarized earlier in the nonCode context. The principal differences between
the Code rule and non-Code common law relate to how the judge determines
the existence of an integration, and how she determines whether an
integration is complete or partial. This topic is discussed immediately
below.

Frigaliment Importing Co. v. B.N.S. International Sales Corp.

(Chicken Importer) v. (Chicken Exporter)

190 F.Supp. 116 (S.D.N.Y. 1960)

DISTRICT COURT APPLIES THE CANONS OF INTERPRETATION TO A CHICKEN CONTRACT

INSTANT FACTS
An importer and an exporter dispute the meaning of the word chicken in their supply
contract.

BLACK LETTER RULE

The subjective interpretation of a contract term must be coupled with objective evidence
supporting that Interpretation.

PROCEDURAL BASIS
District court judgement on a breach of warranty action.

FACTS
B.N.S. International Sales Corp. (B.N.S.) (D) is an exporting firm based in New York.
Frigaliment Importing Co. (Frigaliment) (P) is a Swiss import firm represented by its agent, Mr.
Stovicek. B.N.S. (D) had two contracts to supply Frigaliment (P) with frozen chickens. The first
contract called for 25,000 Ibs. of 1 - to 2-pound chickens at $ 36.50 per 100 Ibs. It also
listed 75,000 Ibs. of 2 - to 3-pound chickens at $ 33.00 per 100 Ibs. The second contract
called for different quantities of each weight and listed the 1 - to 2-pound chickens at $
37.00 per 100 Ibs. The two contracts had delivery dates of May 2, 1957 and May 30, 1957,
respectively. The problem arose when the first delivery arrived. Frigaliment (P) was expecting
the 2 - to 3-pound chickens to be broiler/ fryers. As it turns out, B.N.S (D) shipped 2 - to 3pound stewing chickens, which are older than broiler/ fryers . Frigaliment (P) complained
about the mix-up but accepted the second shipment. This shipment also contained stewing
chickens instead of broiler/ fryers. It then sued B.N.S. (D) for breach of warranty, claiming that
B.N.S. (D) delivered goods that did not correspond to the description in the contract.

ISSUE
Can a court resolve a dispute based on differing interpretations of contract vocabulary?

DECISION AND RATIONALE

(Friendly) Yes. The parties urge different interpretations of the word chicken. In order to
resolve this dispute, the court will look at the contract itself, the actual and trade usage of the
word, and the behavior of the parties. In this case, the contract provides some guidance.
Frigaliment (P) claims that since 1 - to 2-pound chickens are necessarily young chickens, the
2 - to 3-pound chickens should have been young as well. This argument begs the question,
since it has been established that the 2 - 3-pound chickens come in two types. B.N.S. (D),
on the other hand, argues that the contract incorporated the Department of Agricultures
regulations because Frigaliment (P) requested US Fresh Frozen Chicken, Grade A,
Government Inspected. The USDA regulations refer to chickens as broilers, fryers, and
stewing chickens (also known as fowl). As a result, the regulations favor B.N.S. s (D)
interpretation of the contract, permitting the shipment of any type of chicken. Indeed,
Stoviceks first communication with B.N.S. (D) also referred, generically, to chickens. Finally,
at least one food industry witness for B.N.S. (D) relies on the Department of Agricultures
guidelines in his work. These circumstances, together, suggest that the USDA guidelines were
intended to govern the contract definition of chicken. In actual usage, the parties
repeatedly used the word chicken during their negotiations. Frigaliment (P) claims that this
was because most of the negotiations were in German and they wanted to avoid any
confusion between the German word for chicken, huhn, and the English word chicken.
They thought that chicken meant young chicken and avoided using the word huhn
because it included both broilers and stewing chickens. However, when B.N.S. (D) asked
Stovicek to be more specific, he told them that any type of chicken would do. The trade usage
of the word chicken is also at issue in this case. Frigaliment (P) contends that chicken
means young chicken in the poultry trade. Since B.N.S. (D) is new to the poultry trade, it is
not charged with this knowledge unless Frigaliment (P) can demonstrate that the definition is
so prevalent as to create a violent presumption that B.N.S. (D) was aware of it. Frigaliment
(P) failed to demonstrate this level of use in the industry. Its own witnesses frequently confirm
the types of chicken in business transactions by asking whether the parties are talking about
broilers or stewing chickens. Other Frigaliment (P) witnesses were more certain that chicken
refers to young chickens in the trade, but they were countered by witnesses for B.N.S. (D)
that support the contrary conclusion. As noted above, some of B.N.S. s (D) witnesses rely on
the USDA regulations that categorize many types of poultry under the word chicken. The
conduct of the parties further supports our conclusion in favor of B.N.S. (D). First, the market
rate for broilers was higher than the rate that B.N.S. (D) was charging Frigaliment (P) for the 2
- to 3-pound chickens. The market rate for stewing chickens was lower. The only way for
B.N.S. (D) to make a profit on this transaction was to supply Frigaliment (P) with stewing
chickens. B.N.S (D) claims that Frigallment (P) should have known this and we agree. In
addition, Frigaliment (P) accepted the second shipment of chickens even though B.N.S. (D)
did not acknowledge their complaint about the first shipment. While it might have a claim for
damages due to a nonconforming shipment of chickens, its behavior supports the conclusion
that the contract called for the shipment of any type of chicken . Taking into account all of the
arguments above, one thing is clear. Frigaliment (P) harbored a subjective belief that the
contract called for the shipment of 2 - to 3-pound broiler/ fryers, but failed to demonstrate
an objective meaning of the word chicken that supports their interpretation. B.N.S. (D), on
the other hand, demonstrated a subjective belief that is consistent with a number of objective
circumstances that favor its definition. As a result, the term chicken in the contract will be
interpreted broadly.

Disposition:
Frigaliments (P) claim is dismissed.

Analysis:
Judge Friendlys opinion is well known for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is his
comprehensive approach to contract interpretation. He uses every trick in the book to resolve
a seemingly easy question of interpretation that becomes more complicated at every turn.
Much of the opinion implicitly relies on objective intent. In other words, the court asks how a
reasonable person would interpret the language and behavior of the parties. This approach
should be familiar, since it also used in determining the existence of a contract. Judge Friendly
also relies on trade usage to determine the definition of chicken. Even this approach is
fraught with complications, however, since B.N.S . (D) was new to the poultry Industry. Finally,
Judge Friendly interprets certain ambiguities in the parties communications against
Frigaliment (P). This is a less common device that is used to allocate the burdens of poor
contract drafting. In this case, Stoviceks first cablegram referred ambiguously to chickens.
Judge Friendlys analysis shows the variety of ways that a simple contract term can be
interpreted and how difficult the analysis can be when two parties approach a contract from
different cultural, professional, and linguistic backgrounds.

Hurst v. W.J. Lake & Co.

(Meat Scrap Seller) v. (Meat Scrap Buyer)
141 Or. 306, 16 P. 2d 627 (1932)
OREGON SUPREME COURT INTERPRETS A SEEMINGLY UNAMBIGUOUS CONTRACT TERM
ACCORDING TO THE TRADE USAGE OF THE PARTIES

INSTANT FACTS
The parties to a transaction involving horse meat scraps dispute the practical interpretation
of the terms of their contract.

BLACK LETTER RULE

If appropriate, a court may rely on trade usage to inform its interpretation of a seemingly
unambiguous contract term.
PROCEDURAL BASIS
Appeal from a trial court judgement on the pleadings in favor of the defendant in an action to
recover payments withheld under a contract.
FACTS

Hurst (P) was a horse meat trader who agreed to sell W.J. Lake & Co. (Lake) (D) 350 tons of
horse meat scraps at $ 50 per ton. The parties agreed that the scraps would be over 50%
protein [doesnt everyone like their horse meat lean?]. If Lake (D) discovered, after testing,
that the scraps were less than 50% protein, they could deduct $ 5 from each ton which did
not measure up. Lake (D) ultimately deducted $ 5 from each of 140 tons that did not meet
the 50% protein minimum. The nonconforming scraps measured anywhere from 49.53% to
49.96% protein. Hurst (P) sued to recover the deductions for these scraps. He claimed that
both parties were experienced horse meat traders [not to be confused with snake oil
salesmen]. Apparently, it was understood in the trade that a contract calling for no less than
50% protein was satisfied by scraps which measured over 49.5% protein . The trial court
found for Lake (D), despite Hursts (P) allegations. Hurst (P) appeals.

ISSUE
Can trade usage govern the interpretation of a seemingly unambiguous contract term?

DECISION AND RATIONALE

(Rosman) Yes. A court cannot limit its consideration to the plain language of a contract when
the trade usage of the parties is relevant to a determination of their Intent. Lake (D) argues
that courts will not admit extrinsic evidence of party intent when the language of a contract is
unambiguous. He claims that courts will rely. Instead , on the common meaning of the words
in order to determine the parties intent. This approach has simplicity as its advantage. It
protects every contract against the occasional perjurer who would testify to bogus industry
custom in order to subvert an unfavorable contract. This rule goes too far, however. Many
trades make specific allowances for measurements which would not be understood by
outsiders. Bricklayers, lumbermen, and rabbit traders are just a few of the tradespeople who
subject commonly understood measurements to an arcane understanding observed only
within their industries. In addition, familiar terms may be transformed by statute, local usage,
or dialect, among other influences. As a result, the court is not persuaded that it should
ignore these influences when they are relevant, despite the seeming clarity of the contract.
The judgement of the trial court is reversed.

Analysis:
Justice Rosman makes a case against the plain meaning rule with regard to the interpretation
of contracts between tradespeople. In fact, this approach is ratified in UCC 1 205. Section
1 205 states that custom and trade usage can govern the interpretation of contract terms.
This approach may even supplement or qualify the terms of an agreement based on the
parties custom or usage. However, if the custom or usage between the parties is not
reasonably consistent with the contract, the Code requires that the contract terms govern
their relationship. In this case, the UCC rule would lead to the same result. The members of
the meat scrap trade loosely interpret the 50% minimum rule. This custom is not inconsistent
with the parties agreement. In fact, it brings the agreement closer to its likely intent. As a
result, the court should defer to the parties trade over the obvious meaning of the terms of
their agreement.

Nanakuli Paving & Rock Co. v. Shell Oil Co.

(Buyer) v. (Seller)
664 F. 2d 772 (9th Cir. 1981)
THE UCC LOOKS AT THE ACTUAL PERFORMANCE OF A CONTRACT IN ORDER TO DETERMINE
THE PARTIES INTERPRETATION OF THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT 1-303

INSTANT FACTS
Nanakuli Paving & Rock Co. (P) sued Shell Oil Co. (D) for breach of their 1969 contract based
on Shells (D) failure to protect Nanakuli (P) against increases in asphalt prices.

BLACK LETTER RULE

A court may use evidence of standard industry practices and prior performance of parties to
the contract to interpret the contract, if such evidence is not inconsistent with the terms of
the contract.

UNDER UCC A TRADE USAGE OR COURSE OF DEALINGS MAY BE USED TO EXPLAIN OR

SUPPLEMENT THE EXPRESS OF A WRITTEN K. A TRADE USAGE WILL BE BINDING ON A PERSON
WHO IS EITHER A MEMBER OF THE TRADE OR IS A PERSON WHO KNOWS OR SHOULD KNOW
OF IT

PROCEDURAL BASIS
Appeal in action for breach of contract.

FACTS
Nanakuli Paving and Rock Co. (P), a large asphaltic paving company, had two contracts with
Shell Oil Co. (D) under which it bought all its asphalt requirements from Shell (D). In 1974,
Nanakuli (P) sued Shell (D) for breach of its 1969 contract on the ground that Shell (D) had
failed to price-protect Nanakuli (P) against price increases for asphalt. Nanakuli (P) claimed
that price protection was included in its 1969 agreement with Shell (D), and that this was
demonstrated by the routine use of price protection by suppliers in the trade and by Shells
(D) actual performance of the contract from 1969 until 1974. At the trial level, the jury
returned a verdict in favor of Nanakuli (P). The trial court set aside the verdict and granted
Shells motion for judgment n.o.v. Nanakuli (P) appeals.

ISSUE
May a court use evidence of the routine use of price protection in a trade, and prior
performance of parties to the contract, in order to interpret the price terms of a contract, if
such evidence is not inconsistent with the terms of the contract?

DECISION AND RATIONALE

(Hoffman, J.) Yes. A court may use evidence of standard industry practices and prior
performance of parties to the contract to interpret the contract, if such evidence is not
inconsistent with the terms of the contract. In this case, Nanakuli (P) argues that all material
suppliers in the paving industry followed the trade usage of price protection, and that as
such, under the U.C.C., it should be assumed that the parties intended to Incorporate price
protection into their contract. Additionally, Nanakuli (P) argues that Shell (D) had price
-protected it on two prior occasions; thus price protection was a commercially reasonable
standard for fair dealing between the parties. Shell (D), on the other hand, argues that 1)
trade, for the purposes of trade usage, should be limited to the buying and selling of
asphalt, rather than to the whole asphaltic and paving industry, 2) the two prior occasions on
which Shell (D) price-protected Nanakuli (P) constituted waivers of terms of the contract
rather than a course of performance between the parties, and 3) price protection, even if
used in the industry, is not consistent with the express price term in the contract. It is this
courts opinion that the trade applicable to the parties in this case is the whole paving
industry. Under the UCC, trade need not necessarily be one practiced by members of a
partys own trade to be binding if it is so commonly practiced in a locality that a party should
be aware of it. In this case, while Shell (D) did not regularly deal with aggregate supplies in
the business, it had dealt constantly with one asphalt paver, and thus should have been
aware of the asphaltic pavers need for price protection. Nanakuli (P), in this case, has proven
that price protection is probably universal in the asphaltic paving industry, and that it has
therefore reached the regularity necessary for trade usage. Additionally, Shells (D) price
protection on prior occasions could reasonably be construed by a jury as a course of
performance and not a waiver of the express terms of the contract between the parties.
Under the UCC, the preference for waiver only applies where the terms of the contract are
ambiguous. Whether terms of a contract are ambiguous or not is a question for the jury, and
it was not unreasonable for the jury in this case to find that Shells (D) price protection on the
two prior occasions constituted a course of performance and not a waiver. This is true
especially in light of the fact that Shell (D) also price-protected Nanakuli (P) on two other
occasions after 1974. Further, although at first glance, the express price terms of the contact
seem inconsistent with the trade usage of price protection, a jury could have reasonably
construed price protection as consistent with the terms of the contract. A commercial
agreement is broader than the express terms of the agreement and it should be interpreted in
light of commercial practices and other surrounding circumstances. Performance by the
parties, trade usages and prior dealings are very important and can be used to supplement
the contract. They should be excluded, only if they can not be reasonably reconciled with the
express terms of a contract. In this case, there is overwhelming evidence that suppliers in the
industry price protected customers under circumstances and contracts similar to the one in
this case. Here, the express price term of the contract makes no mention of price protection,
including an express negation of price protection. Based on these facts, this court holds that it
was reasonable for a jury to find that price protection, being of such wide and broad usage,
was included in the parties contract and that it was not inconsistent with the express price
terms of the contract. Additionally, in setting its price Shell (D) should have acted with good
faith. That is not to say that it could not increase its price with the increase in the market
price. However, it should have given prior notice of the increase , which was a long-time trade
usage in the industry. In this case, Shell (D) gave no notice. Thus, a jury could reasonably find
that its conduct did not conform with commercially reasonable standards in the industry.
Further, Shell (D) failed to protect Nanakuli (P) for work which the latter had already bid at the
old price. (Judgment of District Court reversed and jury verdict reinstated.)

Analysis:

Usage of trade only applies to any practice or method of dealing that has a regularity of
observance in a place, or trade, as to justify an expectation that it will be observed with
respect to the contract and parties in question. Note that this court indicates that the trade
need not be a partys exact vocation. It is enough that the party deals with the trade in
question constantly enough to be aware of its practices . Evidence of usage in trade can be
admitted to supplement the terms of a contract even though the contract is fully integrated.
Determination of trade usage and course of performance are questions of fact for the jury.

Columbia Nitrogen Corp. v. Royster Co.

(Nitrogen Producer) v. (Nitrogen Buyer)
451 F. 2d 3 (4th Cir. 1971)
UNDER THE UCC, EVIDENCE OF USAGE OF TRADE AND COURSE OF DEALING SHOULD BE
EXCLUDED WHENEVER IT CANNOT BE REASONABLY CONSTRUED AS CONSISTENT WITH THE
TERMS OF THE CONTRACT

INSTANT FACTS
Royster (D), seller of phosphate, who had a contract with Columbia Nitrogen Corp. (P) for sale
of phosphate, sued the latter for damages for breach of contract when Columbia (P) failed to
buy the amount of phosphate agreed upon under their contract.

BLACK LETTER RULE

Evidence of custom and usage or course of dealings is not admissible where it contradicts the
express, plain, and unambiguous terms of a validly written and fully integrated contract.

PROCEDURAL BASIS
Appeal from action for damages for breach of contract. FACTS In 1966, Royster (D) negotiated
with Columbia Nitrogen Corp. (P) to sell to Columbia (P) a minimum of 31,000 tons of
phosphate per year for three years, with an option to extend the contract. The price of
phosphate per ton was stated in the contract and was subject to an escalation clause

dependent on the cost of producing the phosphate. The contract also contained a merger
clause. Due to a plunge in phosphate prices, Columbia (P) was unable to resell phosphate
competitively and ordered less than one tenth of the tonnage required under its contract with
Royster (D). Royster (D), having sold the phosphate below contract price, sued Columbia (P)
for damages. At trial, Columbia (P) sought to show that due to the uncertainty in crop and
weather conditions, and other factors, price and quantity terms in contracts in the industry
were mere speculations, subject to change based on market conditions. Additionally,
Columbia offered evidence to show that in its prior dealings with Royster (D), where Columbia
(P) sold nitrogen to Royster (D ), there was always substantial deviation from price terms
stated in contracts. The trial court excluded this evidence on the ground that it was in
contradiction to the express terms of the contract. Columbia (P) appeals the ruling of the trial
court.

ISSUE
Is evidence of custom and usage or course of dealings admissible where it contradicts the
express, plain, and unambiguous terms of a validly written and fully integrated contract?

DECISION AND RATIONALE

(Butzner, J.) Yes. Evidence of custom and usage or course of dealings is not admissible where
it contradicts the express, plain, and unambiguous terms of a validly written and fully
integrated contract. In this case, Royster (D) contends that the evidence offered by Columbia
(P) should be excluded as inconsistent with the terms of the contract because the contract
itself has detailed provisions regarding price, its escalation, and quantity of the phosphate to
be bought by Columbia (P). This court believes that such a broad exclusionary rule is not
within the language of the UCC rule. The test of admissibility is not whether the contract
appears on its face to be complete in every detail, but whether the proffered evidence of
course of dealing and trade usage reasonably can be construed consistent with the express
terms of the agreement. In this case, it is reasonable to construe the terms of the contract
with evidence of usage and course of dealings. In the first place, the contract does not
expressly state that course of dealings and usage of trade can not be used to explain or
supplement the written contract. Additionally, the contract is silent about adjusting prices and
quantities to reflect a declining market. Thus, in such a situation it is reasonable to rely on
course of dealing and usage to supplement the contract and explain its terms. Finally, the
default clause of the contract refers only to the failure of the buyer to pay for delivered
phosphate. Both parties during the contract negotiations failed to state any consequences for
Columbias (P) refusal to take phosphate deliveries, for which Royster (D) is now suing.
However, unlike what Royster (D) contends, before allowing damages for Columbias (P)
failure to accept the phosphate deliveries, this court must determine that Columbia (P) has in
fact defaulted on its contract. This must be done by reliance on evidence of custom and
usage and course of dealing that is consistent with the contracts express terms. The contract
also states that verbal agreements of the parties will not be recognized because the contract
expresses all the terms and conditions of their contract completely. However, evidence of
custom and usage and course of dealing is not the same as verbal agreements or
understandings between the parties. While evidence of additional terms should be excluded
where the contract is complete, no such rule applies to evidence of custom and usage and
course of dealings. The official comment to the UCC notes that contracts are to be read on
the assumption that evidence of custom and usage and course of dealings were taken for

granted when the contract was phrased, unless the terms of the contact carefully negate
them. Consequently, such evidence can not be conclusively rejected. (Reversed and
remanded.)

Analysis:
Under the UCC, evidence of custom and usage and course of dealings between the parties
can be used to supplement and explain the terms of a contract where it is reasonable. In this
case, the contract expressly includes price and quantity requirements. However, the court
indicated that this still does not allow per se exclusion of such evidence. It appears from this
courts broad interpretation of UCC 2 202 that evidence of custom and usage and course of
dealings can be admitted to interpret contracts under all circumstances, except where the
contract clearly negates custom and usage and course of dealing. Remember that under the
parol evidence rule, where a contract is fully integrated, and it is complete (such as in this
case), evidence of prior or contemporaneous oral agreements or understandings of the
parties is not admitted into evidence. However, evidence of custom and usage and course of
dealings can be admitted whenever it is reasonably consistent with the terms of a contract,
regardless of whether the contract is fully integrated.

Raffles v. Wichelhaus
(Cotton Seller) v. (Cotton Buyer)
2 H. & C. 906, 159 Eng.Rep. 375 (Court of Exchequer 1864)
EXCHEQUER COURT VOIDS A CONTRACT THAT HINGED ON AN AMBIGUOUS TERM

INSTANT FACTS Two parties to a cotton transaction disagree as to the exact identity of a
ship named in their contract.

BLACK LETTER RULE A contract can be voided if it contains an ambiguous term which was,
in fact, interpreted differently by the parties.

PROCEDURAL BASIS Decision of the Court of Exchequer on a breach of contract action.

FACTS Raffles (P) agreed to sell Wichelhaus (D) 125 bales of cotton which were supposed to
arrive in England by ship. Wichelhaus (D) agreed to pay for the cotton after it arrived from
Bombay on a ship called Peerless. Neither party to the contract knew it at the time, but there
were two ships called Peerless which sailed from Bombay. One ship sailed in October . The
second ship sailed in December. Unfortunately, each party had a different ship in mind for the
transaction. Raffles (P) thought that the Peerless which sailed in December was the agreed
upon ship. When that ship arrived in England, Raffles (P) attempted to complete the
transaction. Wichelhaus (D), however, refused to accept delivery or to pay for the cotton
since he had expected the other Peerless. Raffles (P) subsequently sued Wichelhaus (D) for
breach of contract. Wlchelhauss (D) plea followed and Raffles (P) demurred. The court then
rendered its opinion.

ISSUE Can a specific contract term be interpreted according to a partys subjective

interpretation of that term?

DECISION AND RATIONALE (Mellish) Yes. Raffles (P) and Wichelhaus ( D) did not make it
clear that the Peerless was a particular ship sailing on a particular date. When it turned out
that there were actually two different ships named Peerless, a latent ambiguity was exposed
in the contract. In that event, the court can hear parol evidence in order to establish that
there was an actual subjective disagreement between the parties. Since there was no
consensus ad litem, there is no contract. Since there is no contract, Raffles (P) has no right to
sue for its breach. The action will be dismissed and judgement entered in favor of Wichelhaus
(D).

DISSENT (Milward) I dissent for the following reason. A partys subjective intent is irrelevant
to the interpretation of a contract term unless that intent is communicated to the other party
at the time of contracting. In this case, Wichelhauss (D) intent is irrelevant. He never made it
clear to Raffles (P) that he wanted the cotton to be delivered on the Peerless sailing in
October. The contract appears to name the ship only as a convenience in the event that the
Peerless was lost at sea. The identity of the exact ship might be important if the parties were
contracting for the sale of the ship itself, but they were not. As a result, it should not matter

which Peerless delivered the cotton so long as the contract was fulfilled . In fact, Raffles (P)
was not shipping any cotton on the other Peerless the one that Wichelhaus (D) thought was
carrying the cotton. For all of these reasons, Raffless (P) demurrer should be granted [in
other words he should win].

Analysis: Note that the opinions of judges Mellish and Milward appear in the reverse order in
your book . Nonetheless, Mellishs opinion is the decision of the court and Milwards opinion
is, in essence, the dissent. Second, note that the rule of law announced by the court is meant
for the exceptional case. Usually, courts require the objective intent of the parties to govern
the interpretation of a contract. Occasionally, though, a crucial term in the contract is subject
to differing interpretations. If the parties actually interpreted an ambiguous term in different
ways, the contract can be voided. Much of the debate regarding this case centers on the
importance of the ships identity to the contract. It has been argued that Judge Milwards
approach was actually contrary to trade practice at the time. He suggests that the identity of
the ship was unimportant as long as the cotton arrived as promised. However, it was
apparently common practice for parties to identify a particular ship and a particular arrival
date in order to secure a favorable market rate for goods during the latter part of the 1800s.
More generally, the case is a novelty because of the peculiar circumstances that led to the
dispute. The court was forced to test the adequacy of traditional interpretation doctrine,
which was unsuited for such an unlikely controversy.

AD LITEM: Ad litem means for the purposes of the suit. However, the majority most
probably meant ad idem. A consensus ad idem is a meeting of the minds. It is this which
the majority claims did not exist between the parties.

COURT OF EXCHEQUER : A trial level court which existed until 1873. Its jurisdiction was
subsequently turned over to the Exchequer Division and then the Queens Bench Division of
the High Court of Justice.

DEMURRER: A demurrer is a means of attacking a partys pleading. In essence, the attacker

argues that the pleading need not be answered because it is insufficient or defective in some
manner. There are a variety of different demurrers, some of which are still recognized. The
modem equivalent of a general demurrer is a request for dismissal under Federal Rule of Civil
Procedure 12 (b) (6). A request under 12 (b) (6) alleges that the opposing party fails to state a
claim for which relief can be granted.

Colfax Envelope Corp. v. Local No. 458 3M

(Employer) v. (Union)
20 F. 3d 750 (7th Cir. 1994)
RESCISSION MAY BE BASED ON MUTUAL MISUNDERSTANDING

INSTANT FACTS Colfax (P) signed a collective bargaining agreement that had an erroneous
term in it, and when the corrected agreement was sent to it, Colfax (P) tried to renegotiate,
saying that it had no contract with Local 458 3M.

BLACK LETTER RULE A party to a contract who agrees to a term knowing that the term is
ambiguous may not obtain rescission of the contract based on the ambiguity of that term.

PROCEDURAL BASIS Appeal from an order granting summary judgment for Local 458 3M
(D).

FACTS Colfax Envelope (P) was engaged in the printing business and had seventeen
employees who were represented by Local No . 458 3M (D). Because Colfax (P) had so few
employees, it did not actively participate in the bargaining between Local 458 3M (D) and
the Chicago Lithographers Association, an association that represented other area employers
in the printing industry. When a new collective bargaining agreement was reached, Local 458
3M (D) sent a summary of the changes to Colfax (P), and Colfax (P) signed and returned the
agreement. If Colfax (P) disagreed with the terms negotiated, it was free to bargain with Local
458 3M (D) on its own. The collective bargaining agreement in force between 1987 and 1991
set out minimum manning requirements for printing presses. Colfax (P) operated one
seventy-eight-inch press that printed in four colors and one that could print in five colors but
that was usually used to print in four colors, and it was generally required to man the presses
with four employees (five employees were required on the rare occasions that printing was

done in five colors). In 1991, Local 458 3M (D) negotiated a new agreement with the
Lithographers Association and sent a summary of the changes to Colfax (P). Colfax (P) was
asked to indicate whether it agreed to the terms in the summary. The section on manning
requirements listed 4C 60 Press 3 Men and 5C 78 Press 4 Men. Colfax (P) interpreted
this language to mean that only three employees would be required to operate all four-color
presses, regardless of size. Based on this interpretation, Colfax (P) approved the terms in the
summary. A copy of the full agreement was sent to Colfax (P), but it contained a
typographical error that supported Colfaxs (P) interpretation. A corrected copy of the
agreement was sent out, and it set out the manning requirements as requiring four
employees on every four- color press over sixty inches. Colfax (P) wanted to renegotiate the
agreement, but Local 458 3M (D) took the position that Colfax (P) was bound by its
acceptance of the summary. Colfax (P) brought suit for a declaration that it had no collective
bargaining agreement because the parties never agreed on an essential term; namely, the
staffing requirements. Local 458 3M (D) counterclaimed for arbitration, claiming that Colfax
(P) had accepted the new agreement and was therefore bound by the arbitration clause,
which required arbitration of disputes arising out of the interpretation of the contract. The
district court granted summary judgment for Local 458 3M (D), holding that the staffing
requirements in the summary referred unambiguously to sixty-inch presses and had no
application to seventy-eight-inch presses.

ISSUE Was Colfax (P) entitled to rescind the collective bargaining agreement?

DECISION AND RATIONALE (Posner, C.J.) No. A party to a contract who agrees to a term
knowing that the term is ambiguous may not obtain rescission of the contract. A contract
should be terminable without liability, however, when there is no sensible basis for choosing
between conflicting understandings of the language of the contract. If neither party has the
greater blame for the misunderstanding, there is no non-arbitrary basis for deciding which
understanding to enforce, and the parties are allowed to abandon the contract without
liability. The clearest cases in favor of rescission are those in which an offer is garbled in
transmission. The case at bar is, at least superficially , one such case. Colfax (P) believes that
the term 4C 60 Press 3 Men means four-color presses printing sheets sixty inches and
over, while Local 458 3M (D) believes that it means presses sixty inches and under, down to
forty-five inches. The previous agreement allowed the use of three-man crews on four-color
presses between forty-five and fifty inches, and Local 458 3M (D) interpreted the change as
extending the three-man range to sixty inches. In this case, though, Colfax (P) should have
realized that the meaning of the contract was unclear. The expression 4C 60 Press does not,
on its face, refer to a seventy-eight-inch press. The interpretation of Local 458 3M (D) may or
may not be the correct one. Although the summary is the contract between the parties, the
corrected agreement should have made Colfax (P) certain that its interpretation was not the
only plausible one. Colfax (P) could hope that its interpretation was the correct one, but it
could not accept the offer in the summary on the premise that, if its interpretation was not
correct, it could walk away. When parties agree to a patently ambiguous term they submit to
have any dispute over it resolved by interpretation. The possibility of rescission due to a
mutual misunderstanding arises only when parties agree to terms that appear clear to each
of them. Affirmed.

Analysis: In this case, Colfax (P) was put on notice of a crucial omission when the contract
summary did not make any reference to four-color seventy-eight-inch presses. Colfaxs (P)
unreasonable behavior was in assuming that this omission had any substantive meaning.
Prudence should have led Colfax (P) to make inquiries as to the staffing requirements for the
larger presses. As the court notes, the summary is the contract in this case, and the corrected
copy of the agreement is only confirmation of the existence of the mistake. The result here
may well have been different if Colfax (P) had made inquiries before signing the summary and
was given the copy of the final agreement with the typo in response to those inquiries.

Koken v. Black & Veatch Construction, Inc.

(Insurance Company Liquidator) v. (Contractor)
426 F. 3d 39 (1st Cir. 2005)
REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS IS AN OBJECTIVE STANDARD

INSTANT FACTS A fire blanket manufactured by Auburn Manufacturing (D) did not prevent a
fire, and Black & Veatch (P) brought a claim for breach of the warranty of merchantability.

BLACK LETTER RULE A breach of the warranty of merchantability is shown when a product
does not perform according to the reasonable expectations of an ordinary user or consumer.

PROCEDURAL BASIS Appeal from an order granting summary judgment for Auburn (D).

FACTS A fire blanket manufactured by Auburn (D) was used to protect the area underneath a
torch-cutting welding operation at a construction project. A fire broke out, and the blanket
started melting and did not stop the fire. Although the fire was extinguished quickly, the
chemicals in the fire extinguisher damaged a generator. The damage to the generator caused
approximately $ 9 million in repair and delay costs. Black & Veatch (P) brought suit against
Auburn (D) and Inpro (D), the distributor, alleging breach of the warranty of merchantability. A
witness testified that he was surprised that the blanket melted. Other witnesses testified
that the blanket performed as expected and that burn-through holes were common. There
was no testimony regarding industry standards. The district court granted summary judgment
for Auburn (D) and Inpro (D) on the breach of warranty claim.

ISSUE Did Black & Veatch (P) establish a claim for breach of the warranty of merchantability?

DECISION AND RATIONALE (Dyk, J.) No. A breach of the warranty of merchantability is
shown when a product does not perform according to the reasonable expectations of an
ordinary user or consumer. The standard is objective rather than subjective. The question
thus does not turn on the subjective expectations of a particular user, but the reasonable
expectations of an ordinary user or purchaser. Relevant evidence on the question includes
testimony regarding customs of the trade, industry standards, and professional literature. In
this case, there was no evidence that an ordinary user of the fire blanket reasonably expected
a fire blanket to prevent the type of melting observed here. Black & Veatch (P) produced
evidence only regarding the subjective views of one individual. In fact, there was other
testimony that the blanket performed as expected. Summary judgment on the breach of
warranty claim is affirmed.

Analysis: The excerpt discusses the warranty in terms of the reasonable expectations of
consumers. In a portion of the courts opinion not reproduced in the text, it is noted that
marketing materials for the type of fire blanket probably involved (the actual blanket was
destroyed) cautioned that it should not be used in the horizontal position, as it was in this
situation. Auburn (D) manufactured another fire blanket recommended for such applications.
While there are some products whose misuse is so common as to be part of the normal
expectations of a consumer (e.g. using a screwdriver to open a paint can), it probably would
be considered unreasonable for a user to expect a product to perform in a manner specifically
warned against by the manufacturer.

Lewis v. Mobil Oil Corporation

(Sawmill Operator) v. (Oil Seller)

438 F. 2d 500 (8th Cir. 1971)
IF THE SELLER KNOWS HOW THE BUYER WILL USE A PRODUCT, A WARRANTY MAY ARISE
THAT THE PRODUCT CAN BE USED IN THAT WAY

INSTANT FACTS Lewis (P) purchased oil recommended by Mobil (D) for use in hydraulic
machinery , but the oil did not function properly and Lewiss (P) machinery was damaged.

BLACK LETTER RULE An implied warranty of fitness arises when the seller has reason to
know of the use for which goods are purchased and the buyer relies on the sellers expertise
in supplying the proper product.

PROCEDURAL BASIS Appeal from a judgment after a jury verdict for Lewis (P).

FACTS In 1964, Lewis (P) installed hydraulic equipment in his sawmill. The system was
purchased used but was in good operating condition when Lewis (P) purchased it. After the
equipment was installed, Lewis (P ) asked Rowe, a local dealer for Mobil (D), for the right
hydraulic fluid to operate the machinery. Rowe did not know the proper lubricant , but said he
would find out. Rowe may have contacted another Mobil (D) representative, but this point is
unclear. Rowe sold Lewis (P) a product known as Ambrex 810, a mineral oil with no additives.
Lewis (P) began having trouble with the operation of the equipment soon after he started to
use it. The oil changed color, foamed over, and got hot. The oil was changed several times,
but there was no improvement. The system completely broke down approximately six months
after it was installed , and there was some suspicion that the oil being used caused the
breakdown . Lewis (P) asked Rowe to be sure he was supplying the correct oil, and he
continued to supply Ambrex 810. Lewis (P) had problems with the system from 1965 to 1967.
Six new pumps were installed during this time. In April 1967, Lewis (P) began to use a
different kind of pump. Ambrex 810 was also recommended by Mobil (D) for this pump, and
the pump broke down three weeks after it was installed. Another representative of Mobil (D)
and a representative of the pump manufacturer visited Lewis (P). A new pump was installed
and, on the recommendations of the manufacturers representative and the representative
from Mobil (D), a different lubricant was used. The new lubricant had additives including a
defoamant. The new pump worked satisfactorily. Lewis (P) brought suit against Mobil (D),
alleging a breach of the warranty of fitness. Mobil (D) claimed that there was no warranty of
fitness, and that there was no proof of a breach of the warranty of merchantability, because
there was no proof that Ambrex 810 was not fit to use in hydraulic systems generally.

ISSUE Did Lewis (P) establish a breach of the warranty of fitness?

DECISION AND RATIONALE (Gibson, J.) Yes. An implied warranty of fitness arises when the
seller has reason to know of the use for which goods are purchased and the buyer relies on
the sellers expertise in supplying the proper product. Both of these requirements are met in
this case. The existence of a warranty of fitness is a question of fact to be determined by the
circumstances of the contract. Lewis (P) had been a longtime customer of Mobil (D) and dealt
exclusively with Rowe. It was common knowledge in the community that Lewis (P) planned to
install hydraulic equipment, and Rowe had visited Lewiss (P) business several times during
the installation. Lewis (P) asked Rowe for the correct hydraulic fluid, and Rowe knew nothing
more specific about Lewiss (P) requirements than the type of pump he had. Rowe did not
know what type of oil to use, and referred the question to a superior. The superior
recommended Ambrex 810. Lewis (P) also testified that he asked Rowe to make sure that he
was using the proper oil when he had problems. Rowe asked a Mobil (D) engineer for a
recommendation for oil when the new pump was installed in 1967, and the engineer
recommended Ambrex 810. When the new pump failed, the engineer inspected the pump and
recommended a different oil. Mobil (D) argued that there was no warranty of fitness for
Lewiss (P) use, because he did not tell them that he needed an oil with particular
specifications. The existence of a warranty is a question of fact, to be determined by the
circumstances of the contract. Lewis (P) made it clear that he did not know what oil to use,
and that he was relying on Mobil (D) to supply the appropriate product. If Mobil (D) needed
further information, it was Mobils (D) obligation to get it before it made its recommendation.
The fact that Mobil (D) could easily have obtained the information is demonstrated by the fact
that Mobils (D) engineer visited Lewiss (P) sawmill and changed the previous
recommendation. Affirmed on the issue of the existence of a warranty; remanded for a
recalculation of damages.

Analysis: The warranty of fitness comes from the idea that a merchant has some expertise
with regard to the goods being sold. Buyers are entitled to rely on this expertise when
receiving a recommendation for a particular item. In situations such as the one presented by
this case, the assumption of expertise is not an unreasonable oneRowe had dealt with Lewis
(P) for some time, and knew about his business and why he wanted to buy the oil. Most
consumer purchases of goods, while governed by the same rule, might cast doubt on that
assumption . Is the expertise the same when the sale is of one of thousands of products
carried by a big box retail chain?

South Carolina Electric and Gas Co. v. Combustion Engineering, Inc.

(Utility Company) v. (Boiler Manufacturer)
283 S.C. 182, 322 S.E. 2d 453 (1984)
BUYERS MUST HAVE NOTICE OF WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS

INSTANT FACTS South Carolina Electric and Gas (P) brought a breach of warranty claim
against Combustion (D), and Combustion (D) claimed that the warranties of merchantability
and fitness had been disclaimed.

BLACK LETTER RULE A disclaimer of warranties will be effective if the circumstances

surrounding the sale are sufficient to draw the buyers attention to the exclusion of
warranties.

PROCEDURAL BASIS Appeal from an order granting summary judgment to Combustion

Engineering (D).

FACTS In 1970, South Carolina Electric and Gas (P) purchased a boiler manufactured by
Combustion Engineering (D). The boiler was installed in March 1973, and in May 1975, a hose
attached to the boiler ruptured and sprayed heated fuel oil on the boiler, allegedly starting a
fire that caused South Carolina Electric (P) to sustain damages in excess of $ 350,000. The
sales contract for the boiler contained an express warranty that the boiler would be free of
defects in material and workmanship for one year. The warranty also stated there were no
other express or implied warranties, other than the warranty of title. The disclaimer of
warranties was on page seventeen of a twenty-two page document, in an item headed
WARRANTY, and it was the last sentence of a two-paragraph section. The disclaimer did not
mention merchantability, and the type face and color of the disclaimer were not different
from the rest of the text. A proposal Combustion (D) sent to South Carolina Electric (P) in
August 1968 contained the same disclaimer at issue here . South Carolina Electric (P) replied
to that proposal in January 1969. The reply stated that the proposal was unacceptable in
certain respects, and that any purchase order would have to meet certain conditions. One of
the conditions was that Combustion (P) would agree to be bound by the warranties implied
by the laws of the State of South Carolina. Combustion (D) replied that it would not agree to
that condition, and also stated that the agreement must have a limitation on the warranty
period and a limitation on the available remedies. South Carolina Electric (P) replied and
stated that it agreed that the warranties implied by [the] laws of South Carolina shall be
limited to the warranty item included in the original proposal. South Carolina Electric (P)
brought suit against Combustion (D) for breach of the warranties of fitness for a particular
purpose and merchantability, and for negligent design. Combustion (D) moved for, and was
granted, summary judgment.

ISSUE Was the language in the sales agreement sufficient to limit the warranty on the boiler?

DECISION AND RATIONALE (Goolsby, J.) Yes. A disclaimer of warranties will be effective if
the circumstances surrounding the sale are sufficient to draw the buyers attention to the
exclusion of warranties. The warranty language did not meet the requirements for a
disclaimer or limitation of warranty set out in U.C.C. 2 316 (2), in that it did not mention
merchantability, it was not conspicuous, and it was misleading in that it was placed in a
section labeled WARRANTY. However, the U.C.C. provides an exception to the statutory

requirements for disclaimers when the circumstances show that the buyers attention was
drawn to the disclaimer. The correspondence preceding the agreement is not a part of the
agreement, but is considered in order to determine whether the disclaimer was unbargained
for and unanticipated by South Carolina Electric (P). Herr, the disclaimer is clear and
unambiguous. The language of the disclaimer came as no surprise to South Carolina Electric
(P) . There was no factual showing to the contrary. In addition, South Carolina Electric (P) is
commercially sophisticated and has bargaining power relatively equal to that of Combustion
(D). The size of the transaction and the length of the negotiations show as much. It is not
credible that a business like South Carolina Electric (P) would not be aware of the language
disclaiming implied warranties. The disclaimer here was effective , notwithstanding its failure
to comply with the formal requirements. Affirmed.

Analysis: This case is an appeal from a grant of summary judgment, so all the court is saying
is that South Carolina Electric (P) did not raise an issue of material fact regarding the
disclaimer. In other words, the court is not saying that, as a matter of law, the type of
disclaimer used by Combustion (D) will always be sufficient, or even that a large business
such as South Carolina Electric (P ) will not be able to avoid a disclaimer that is legally
insufficient. The court is merely holding that South Carolina Electric (P) did not rebut evidence
showing that it had actual notice of the disclaimer. The result of this case could well have
been different if there had been no proof that the warranty disclaimer language was
discussed before the sales agreement was signed.

Henningsen v. Bloomfield Motors, Inc.

(Car Buyer) v. (Car Dealer)
32 N.J. 358, 161 A. 2d 69, 75 A.L.R. 2d 1 (1960)
DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER STATEMENTS LIMITING A PARTYS LIABILITY UNDER A PRIVATE
CONTRACT ARE BINDING ONLY IF SUCH LIMITATION IS UNDERSTANDINGLY ACCEPTED BY THE
PARTIES

INSTANT FACTS Henningsen sued Bloomfield for breach of warranty after the steering in his
new car failed, and Bloomfield countered with a disclaimer written in fine print.

BLACK LETTER RULE Disclaimers and attempted limitations of warranties or liability,

whether in a public, quasi-public, or private contract, are not enforceable unless the limitation
is fairly and honestly made and understandingly entered into.

PROCEDURAL BASIS Appeal from judgment in action for breach of implied warranty of
merchantability.

FACTS Claus Henningsen (P) bought a new car from Bloomfield Motors, Inc. (Bloomfield) (D).
Claus (P) wife, Helen (P), drove the car ten days later and was injured when the steering
mechanism failed. The Henningsens (P) sued Bloomfield (D) and the cars manufacturer,
Chrysler Corporation (Chrysler) (D), for breach of an implied warranty of merchantability
established by the Uniform Sales Act. Both Bloomfield and Chrysler (D) argue that the
warranty had been properly disclaimed under the Act. They (D) pointed to a provision of the
purchase contract which provided for a limit on the liability for breach of warranty. Under this
provision, liability was limited to replacement of defective parts for up to 90 days after
delivery or 4,000 miles of driving, whichever came first. This warranty is a standard one used
by car dealers . The provision was contained in an eight-and-a-half point section of fine print
on the back of the contract. While most of the contract was printed in twelve-point type, this
provision was referred to on the front of the contract by statements printed in six-point type
just above the space for signatures. In particular, the contract incorporated the following
reference: I have read the matter printed on the back hereof and agree to it as part of this
order the same as if it were printed above my signature. The trial court ruled for the
Henningsens (P), and Bloomfield and Chrysler (D) appealed.

ISSUE Is a standardized contract with a disclaimer or limitation of warranty automatically

enforceable once both parties sign it?

DECISION AND RATIONALE (Francis) No. The traditional contract is the product of free
bargaining between parties that meet on roughly the same economic level. In present-day
commercial life, however, the standardized mass contract has emerged, used primarily by
enterprises with strong bargaining power and position. Weaker parties that need goods or
services without the ability to shop around for better terms, either because the one using
the form contract has a monopoly or because all competitors use the same kind of contracts.
Here, the warranty at issue is imposed on the car-buying customer, who must accept its
terms in order to make the purchase. This warranty is used by all the major car
manufacturers. Thus, customers like the Henningsens (P) cannot find any better protection
than this. Indeed, with the car manufacturers not competing with each other in terms of
customer protection, there is no incentive for them to provide better warranties to the
customers. Several cases have shown that disclaimers and their resulting limitations of
liability will not be given effect if unfairly procured or if not made clear and explicit to the

buyer. Disclaimers and attempted limitations of warranties or liability, whether in a public,

quasi-public, or private contract, are not enforceable unless the limitation is fairly and
honestly made and understandingly entered into. While this rule has usually been applied to
cases involving services of a public or semi-public nature, more and more recent cases have
applied the rule to private contract disputes. Here, the specific warranty imposed by
Bloomfield (D) provided that it (D) would replace defective parts during the first 90 days or
4,000 miles of operation. This apparently served as a remedy for physical deficiencies in the
car. Only by abandoning all sense of justice would a court hold that this warranty would
indicate that a person accepting it would relinquish any personal injury claim that would
result from a defect of the automobile. The court must protect consumers like the
Henningsens (P) from such unilateral acts by larger entitles like this disclaimer of liability by
Bloomfield and Chrysler (Ds). Judgment affirmed.

Analysis: Remember that the court in OCallaghan stated that the use of a form contract
does not of itself establish disparity of bargaining power, and that the subject of addressing
the dangers of exculpatory clauses is appropriate for legislative rather than judicial action.
Here, the court expressly assumes the role of protecting the ordinary layman [because]
there can be no arms length negotiating between the customer and the manufacturer. It
should be noted that since 1960, when Henningsen was decided, automobile manufacturers
began to extend and advertise their warranties in order to gain a competitive advantage.
CASE VOCABULARY INIMICAL: Unfriendly, hostile, or opposed to. SIGNATURE ELEMENTS:
Designated area on contract where parties place their signatures.

Rules from Parol evidence cases:

1 Once the parties have reduced their agreement to a writing that they intend to contain the
final and complete statement of their agreement, neither party may introduce evidence
that contradicts or supplements the terms of that agreement.
2 An oral agreement cannot be considered a separate, breachable contract if it falls within
the scope of a contemporaneous, completely integrated written agreement.
3 A court, when considering a disputed contract, may consider evidence of a collateral
agreement if it is of a sort that would naturally be made separately from the disputed
contract.

4 A court of equity is permitted to reform a contract in response to a mutual mistake which

rendered the contracts terms incomplete.
5 Extrinsic evidence of a partys Intent is admissible to assist in the interpretation of a
disputed contract term.

6 Extrinsic evidence will be admitted to explain an ambiguous contract term.

7 The court may not consider extrinsic evidence to interpret a contract or add terms if the
agreement on its face is reasonably susceptible of only one meaning.
8 An unambiguous and final contract may not be reformed based on parol evidence.

9 Under California law, relevant, extrinsic evidence may be always admitted to show the
intent of the parties to a written agreement.

10 The subjective interpretation of a contract term must be coupled with objective evidence
supporting that Interpretation.
11 If appropriate, a court may rely on trade usage to inform its interpretation of a seemingly
unambiguous contract term.

12 A court may use evidence of standard industry practices and prior performance of parties
to the contract to interpret the contract, if such evidence is not inconsistent with the terms
of the contract.
(UCC Ks)
13 Evidence of custom and usage or course of dealings is not admissible where it contradicts
the express, plain, and unambiguous terms of a validly written and fully integrated
contract.
(UCC Ks)
14 A contract can be voided if it contains an ambiguous term which was, in fact, interpreted
differently by the parties.

15 A contract should be voided if the parties each held different understandings of an

ambiguous term and neither party should have been aware of the others understanding.

16 A party to a contract who agrees to a term knowing that the term is ambiguous may not
obtain rescission of the contract based on the ambiguity of that term.
17 To decide if parol evidence is admissible must ask:
1. What is it that a party is offering to prove?
1. Is the offered evidence part of the parties agreement?
1. Yes Not a PE issue
2. No Move to Q2
2. For what purpose is the evidence offered?
1. Is it a separate K? Not PE
2. Is it an issue if interpretation? admissible
3. Modification? Not PE
4. Formation issue? admissible
5. Condition precedent? (conditional K) admissible
6. Extrinsic evidence not listed above? YES PE Move to Q3
1. Ambiguous terms
3. Did the parties intend the writing to contain the final and complete statement
of their agreement?
1. Look at objective intent- the writing itself
1. Merger/integration clause?
1. Boilerplate or carefully negotiated?
2. No merger clause1. Would reasonable parties have excluded the term
2. Subjective intent- outside presence of Jury have judge determine if
the PE gives weight to parties intent- if it does bring them back to
hear testimony and decide if it is partial or complete
1. Must be coupled with objective evidence to support interpretation
2. Partial Integration- Final expression Extrinsic evidence barred by PER
3. Complete Integration- could contain other terms Go to Q4

4. Does the offered evidence contradict or supplement the writing?

1. If Partial, supplemental may be admissible if it does not contradict the
writing.
2. If contradicts- not admissible