What does the parole evidence rule prevent?

The parole evidence rule is a legal doctrine that serves to uphold the integrity of written contracts by limiting the introduction of evidence outside the written document itself. Specifically, it prevents the altering or modifying of the terms of a written contract through verbal agreements or other forms of evidence that precede or accompany the written terms.

When a contract is established in a written form and is deemed complete, the parole evidence rule asserts that no external oral statements or agreements may be used to contradict, modify, or add to the terms of that contract. This rule helps to ensure that the document stands as the final expression of the parties' agreement and protects against disputes that arise from potentially unreliable or ambiguous verbal negotiations. Therefore, this adherence to the written word emphasizes the importance of clearly articulated contracts and discourages ambiguity that could lead to misunderstandings.

In the context of the other options, while creating verbal contracts, enforcing oral agreements, and transferring contract obligations can all be relevant to contract law, they do not encapsulate the core function of the parole evidence rule as it specifically addresses the integrity and finality of written agreements. Thus, the prevention of changing terms of a written contract through outside evidence is the crucial aspect that defines the purpose of the parole evidence rule.