A Written, Integrated Contract Contains a Provision That States It

question 30

Multiple Choice

A written, integrated contract contains a provision that states it will be effective for a "year." The plaintiff in a lawsuit claims that a "year" is obviously 12 months. The defendant claims that the contract meant a 10-month school year. In this case:

• A) parol evidence cannot be used to explain the term, because the plain meaning of a "year" is 12 months.
• B) parol evidence cannot be used to explain the term, because it is in an integrated document.
• C) the term "year" is ambiguous, and the parties can bring in parol evidence to clarify their intent.
• D) parol evidence cannot be used, because the contract contains an express term that could have been changed by the parties prior to the contract's execution.

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Definitions:

Hierarchy of Authority

The structured ranking of positions within an organization, where every level is subordinate to the one above it.

Departmentalization

The method an organization uses to structure itself by dividing responsibilities among different departments or units based on task, function, product, geography, or customer.

James D. Thompson

A sociologist known for his contributions to organizational theory, particularly for his work on organizations as open systems and technologies.

W. Edward Deming

An American engineer, statistician, and management consultant known for his work in the field of quality management and his contribution to Japan's industrial recovery post-World War II.