parol evidence rule (South Dakota) · Go Syfert
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parol evidence rule in South Dakota

26 South Dakota opinions name it 1 courts 1929–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by South Dakota courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (18)

CaseFollowedCited
Farmers State Bank v. Keisergreen
sd · 1968 · cited in 2 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1995–2000
2 sentences

1995They suggest that the trial court erred as a matter of law, (citing Farmers State Bank v. Reiser, 83 S.D. 354 , 159 N.W.2d 388, 390 (1968)): The parol evidence rule is not a rule of evidence, but is a rule of positive or substantive law founded upon the substantive rights of the parties. 30 Am.Jur.2d Evidence § 1017; Williams v. Williams, 251 Iowa 260 , 100 N.W.2d 185 [(1959)]; City of Des Moines v. City of West Des Moines, supra [ 244 Iowa 310 , 56 N.W.2d 904 (1953)].

1995They suggest that the trial court erred as a matter of law, (citing Farmers State Bank v. Reiser, 83 S.D. 354 , 159 N.W.2d 388, 390 (1968)): The parol evidence rule is not a rule of evidence, but is a rule of positive or substantive law founded upon the substantive rights of the parties. 30 Am.Jur.2d Evidence § 1017; Williams v. Williams, 251 Iowa 260 , 100 N.W.2d 185 [(1959)]; City of Des Moines v. City of West Des Moines, supra [ 244 Iowa 310 , 56 N.W.2d 904 (1953)].

22
Hofeldt v. Mehlinggreen
sd · 2003 · cited in 3 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2003–2011
2 sentences

2011Hofeldt v. Mehling, 2003 S.D. 25 , ¶ 11, 658 N.W.2d 783, 787 . [¶ 18.] We reverse the circuit court’s grant of summary judgment on Tolle’s promissory estoppel claim regarding the cabin. [¶ 19.] 2.

2004Hofeldt v. Mehling, 2003 SD 25, ¶ 11 , 658 N.W.2d 783, 787 (citing Auto-Owners Ins.

13
Quick v. Bakke, Kopp, Ballou & McFarlin, Inc.green
sd · 1986 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025State Bank v. Adkins, 458 -7- # 30190 N.W.2d 807 , 810 (S.D. 1990) (concluding intent is found in the unambiguous language of the contract); Quick v. Bakke, Kopp, Ballou & McFarlin, Inc., 380 N.W.2d 364, 366 (S.D. 1986) (stating “speculation should not be used to alter the unequivocal language of the agreement”). [¶22.] Therefore, where a contract is “clear, unambiguous, and fully integrated,” the parol evidence rule bars admission of extrinsic evidence.

11
Oxton v. Rudlandgreen
sd · 2017 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025Oxton v. Rudland, 2017 S.D. 35, ¶ 14 , 897 N.W.2d 356, 360 ; see also SDCL 53-8-5 (stating that a written contract “supersedes all oral negotiations”).

2025See Oxton, 2017 S.D. 35, ¶ 14 , 897 N.W.2d at 360 (citation omitted) (stating that “the parol evidence rule does not apply in cases of fraud in the inducement”); see also, e.g., Genevieve J.

11
Tolle v. Levgreen
sd · 2011 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
2 sentences

2023See Tolle v. Lev, 2011 S.D. 65, ¶ 17 , 804 N.W.2d 440, 446 (“Tolle is not seeking to use Lev’s oral statements to vary any term of the written agreement . . . .

2023See Tolle v. Lev, 2011 S.D. 65, ¶ 17 , 804 N.W.2d 440, 446 (“Tolle is not seeking to use Lev’s oral statements to vary any term of the written agreement . . . .

11
Poeppel v. Lestergreen
sd · 2013 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
2 sentences

2017Poeppel, 2013 S.D. 17, ¶¶ 19, 21 , 827 N.W.2d at 584-85 ; Engels v. Ranger Bar, Inc., 2000 S.D. 1 , ¶ 15, 604 N.W.2d 241, 245 ; Holmes v. Couturier, 452 N.W.2d 135, 137 (S.D. 1990); Sabbagh v. Prof'l & Bus.

2017Poeppel, 2013 S.D. 17, ¶¶ 19, 21 , 827 N.W.2d at 584-85 ; Engels v. Ranger Bar, Inc., 2000 S.D. 1 , ¶ 15, 604 N.W.2d 241, 245 ; Holmes v. Couturier, 452 N.W.2d 135, 137 (S.D. 1990); Sabbagh v. Prof'l & Bus.

11
Holmes v. Couturiergreen
sd · 1990 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017Poeppel, 2013 S.D. 17, ¶¶ 19, 21 , 827 N.W.2d at 584-85 ; Engels v. Ranger Bar, Inc., 2000 S.D. 1 , ¶ 15, 604 N.W.2d 241, 245 ; Holmes v. Couturier, 452 N.W.2d 135, 137 (S.D. 1990); Sabbagh v. Prof'l & Bus.

11
Unke v. Thorpegreen
sd · 1953 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
2 sentences

2013However, “[t]he surrounding circumstances from which a contract stems are to be considered when interpreting its provisions.” Mitzel v. Hauck, 78 S.D. 543, 547 , 105 N.W.2d 378, 380 (1960) (citing Unke v. Thorpe, 75 S.D. 65, 69 , 59 N.W.2d 419, 422 (1953)). [¶38.] The trial court found that the language of the Note was plain and unambiguous and concluded that the parol evidence rule applied.

2013However, “[t]he surrounding circumstances from which a contract stems are to be considered when interpreting its provisions.” Mitzel v. Hauck, 78 S.D. 543, 547 , 105 N.W.2d 378, 380 (1960) (citing Unke v. Thorpe, 75 S.D. 65, 69 , 59 N.W.2d 419, 422 (1953)). [¶38.] The trial court found that the language of the Note was plain and unambiguous and concluded that the parol evidence rule applied.

11
Mitzel v. Hauckgreen
sd · 1960 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
2 sentences

2013However, “[t]he surrounding circumstances from which a contract stems are to be considered when interpreting its provisions.” Mitzel v. Hauck, 78 S.D. 543, 547 , 105 N.W.2d 378, 380 (1960) (citing Unke v. Thorpe, 75 S.D. 65, 69 , 59 N.W.2d 419, 422 (1953)). [¶38.] The trial court found that the language of the Note was plain and unambiguous and concluded that the parol evidence rule applied.

2013However, “[t]he surrounding circumstances from which a contract stems are to be considered when interpreting its provisions.” Mitzel v. Hauck, 78 S.D. 543, 547 , 105 N.W.2d 378, 380 (1960) (citing Unke v. Thorpe, 75 S.D. 65, 69 , 59 N.W.2d 419, 422 (1953)). [¶38.] The trial court found that the language of the Note was plain and unambiguous and concluded that the parol evidence rule applied.

11
Conn Acoustics, Inc. v. Xhema Construction, Inc.green
connappct · 2005 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
2 sentences

2013See, e.g., Conn Acoustics, Inc. v. Xhema Const., Inc., 88 Conn.App. 741 , 870 A.2d 1178, 1181 (2005).

2013See, e.g., Conn Acoustics, Inc. v. Xhema Const., Inc., 88 Conn.App. 741 , 870 A.2d 1178, 1181 (2005).

11
Muhlbauer v. Estate of Olsongreen
sd · 2011 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012We will affirm a grant of summary judgment “only if all legal questions have been decided correctly.” Muhlbauer v. Estate of Olson, 2011 S.D. 42, ¶ 7 , 801 N.W.2d 446, 448 .

2012We will affirm a grant of summary judgment “only if all legal questions have been decided correctly.” Muhlbauer v. Estate of Olson, 2011 S.D. 42, ¶ 7 , 801 N.W.2d 446, 448 .

11
Prudential Insurance Company v. Curtis R. Hinkel, Appellant/cross-Appellee, Anna Hinkel, a Minor, Appellee/cross-Appellantgreen
ca8 · 1997 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012Co. v. Hinkel, 121 F.3d 364, 366 (8th Cir. 1997)). 6 Brown’s fraudulent inducement counterclaim was not a factually unsupported claim, especially considering that the offered evidence is not barred by the parol evidence rule.

2012Co. v. Hinkel, 121 F.3d 364, 366 (8th Cir.1997)). 6 Brown’s fraudulent inducement counterclaim was not a factually unsupported claim, especially considering that the offered evidence is not barred by the parol evidence rule.

11
First Nat. Bank of Biwabik, MN v. Bank of Lemmongreen
sd · 1995 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
1 sentence

2006First Nat’l Bank v. Bank of Lemmon, 535 N.W.2d 866, 868 (S.D.1995).

11
Baker v. Jewellgreen
sd · 1959 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1990–1990
2 sentences

1990Nor may the parol evidence rule be invoked “when it is sought to establish fraud as a ground for rescinding the contract.” Baker v. Jewell, 77 S.D. 573, 577 , 96 N.W.2d 299, 302 (1959).

1990Nor may the parol evidence rule be invoked “when it is sought to establish fraud as a ground for rescinding the contract.” Baker v. Jewell, 77 S.D. 573, 577 , 96 N.W.2d 299, 302 (1959).

11
Eustis Mining Co. v. Beer, Sondheimer & Co.green
· 1917 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1985–1985
1 sentence

1985In Janssen v. Tusha, 287 N.W. at 504-05 , we quoted Judge Learned Hand in his opinion in Eustis Mining Co. v. Beer, Sondheimer & Co., Inc., 239 F. 976, 984 (S.D.N.Y.1917): It makes not the least difference whether a promisor actually intends that meaning which the law will impose upon his words.

11
Jensen v. Pure Plant Food International, Ltd.green
sd · 1979 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1980–1980
11
G & B CONTRACTORS, INC. v. Coronet Developers, Inc.green
gactapp · 1975 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1978–1978
11
Greve v. Bissongreen
sd · 1943 · cited in 1 South Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1952–1952
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in South Dakota. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (26)

CaseCitedYears
Janssen v. Tusha green
sd · 1939
2 sentences

1985It requires that the final expression of parties shall prevail over antecedent or contemporaneous deals, negotiations, expressions, and understandings. 9 Wigmore, Evidence § 2400 (Chadbourn rev. 1981); Janssen v. Tusha, 66 S.D. 604 , 287 N.W. 501 (1939).

1948In Janssen v. Tusha, supra, it is stated, upon authorities cited, that the parol evidence rule therein relied upon is substantive in character and operates to limit the evidence from which interpretative inferences may be drawn.

41941–1985
Auto-Owners Insurance Co. v. Hansen Housing, Inc. green
sd · 2000
2 sentences

2017But “[i]t must be understood that the parol evidence rule ‘is in no sense a rule of evidence[.]’ ” Auto-Owners, 2000 S.D. 13 , ¶ 14, 604 N.W.2d at 510 (quoting 9 J.

2004Thus, evidence of negotiations occurring after a written agreement will not be excluded by the parol evidence rule.- Id. (citing E.

22004–2017
Randolph v. Fireman's Fund Insurance Company green
iowa · 1963
2 sentences

1995Randolph v. Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co., 255 Iowa 943 , 124 N.W.2d 528 , 8 A.L.R.3d 907 [(1963)]; Williams v. Williams, supra. Since the parol evidence rule is one of substantive law, the admission, without objection, of such testimony does not preclude the trial court from disregarding it upon a motion to direct a verdict, and an appellate court cannot coh-sider such evidence or give it any weight. 30 Am.Jur.2d, Evidence § 1022.

1995Randolph v. Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co., 255 Iowa 943 , 124 N.W.2d 528 , 8 A.L.R.3d 907 [(1963)]; Williams v. Williams, supra. Since the parol evidence rule is one of substantive law, the admission, without objection, of such testimony does not preclude the trial court from disregarding it upon a motion to direct a verdict, and an appellate court cannot coh-sider such evidence or give it any weight. 30 Am.Jur.2d, Evidence § 1022.

21968–1995
Williams v. Williams green
iowa · 1959
2 sentences

1995They suggest that the trial court erred as a matter of law, (citing Farmers State Bank v. Reiser, 83 S.D. 354 , 159 N.W.2d 388, 390 (1968)): The parol evidence rule is not a rule of evidence, but is a rule of positive or substantive law founded upon the substantive rights of the parties. 30 Am.Jur.2d Evidence § 1017; Williams v. Williams, 251 Iowa 260 , 100 N.W.2d 185 [(1959)]; City of Des Moines v. City of West Des Moines, supra [ 244 Iowa 310 , 56 N.W.2d 904 (1953)].

1995They suggest that the trial court erred as a matter of law, (citing Farmers State Bank v. Reiser, 83 S.D. 354 , 159 N.W.2d 388, 390 (1968)): The parol evidence rule is not a rule of evidence, but is a rule of positive or substantive law founded upon the substantive rights of the parties. 30 Am.Jur.2d Evidence § 1017; Williams v. Williams, 251 Iowa 260 , 100 N.W.2d 185 [(1959)]; City of Des Moines v. City of West Des Moines, supra [ 244 Iowa 310 , 56 N.W.2d 904 (1953)].

21968–1995
City of Des Moines v. City of West Des Moines green
iowa · 1953
2 sentences

1995They suggest that the trial court erred as a matter of law, (citing Farmers State Bank v. Reiser, 83 S.D. 354 , 159 N.W.2d 388, 390 (1968)): The parol evidence rule is not a rule of evidence, but is a rule of positive or substantive law founded upon the substantive rights of the parties. 30 Am.Jur.2d Evidence § 1017; Williams v. Williams, 251 Iowa 260 , 100 N.W.2d 185 [(1959)]; City of Des Moines v. City of West Des Moines, supra [ 244 Iowa 310 , 56 N.W.2d 904 (1953)].

1995They suggest that the trial court erred as a matter of law, (citing Farmers State Bank v. Reiser, 83 S.D. 354 , 159 N.W.2d 388, 390 (1968)): The parol evidence rule is not a rule of evidence, but is a rule of positive or substantive law founded upon the substantive rights of the parties. 30 Am.Jur.2d Evidence § 1017; Williams v. Williams, 251 Iowa 260 , 100 N.W.2d 185 [(1959)]; City of Des Moines v. City of West Des Moines, supra [ 244 Iowa 310 , 56 N.W.2d 904 (1953)].

21968–1995
Farmers' Elevator Co. v. Swier green
· 1926
2 sentences

1948Here, as in that case and as was true in Farmers’ Elevator Co. v. Swier, supra, the parties put down in writing that which was to determine the rights of each of them in the subject matter, in this case the farm, and the reasons and inducements which led to such expressed determination.

1932In support of her claimed right to prove by parol what she contends was the actual agreement between Tenney and Hilts at the time of the execution of Exhibit 7, .appellant does not question the correctness of the parol evidence rule as stated in Farmers’ Elevator Co. v. Swier, 50 S. D. 436, 210 N. W. 671 .

21932–1948
Parmely Trust v. Magness neutral
sd · 2023
2 sentences

2025Parmely Revocable Tr. v. Magness, 2023 S.D. 49, ¶ 15 , 996 N.W.2d 362 , 367 (explaining extrinsic evidence may be offered to prove a collateral oral agreement). [¶23.] Here, the Sturzenbechers do not argue that an exception to the parol evidence rule applies; nor do they argue that their written agreements with Sioux County are ambiguous.

2025Parmely Revocable Tr. v. Magness, 2023 S.D. 49, ¶ 15 , 996 N.W.2d 362 , 367 (explaining extrinsic evidence may be offered to prove a collateral oral agreement). [¶23.] Here, the Sturzenbechers do not argue that an exception to the parol evidence rule applies; nor do they argue that their written agreements with Sioux County are ambiguous.

12025–2025
Engels v. Ranger Bar, Inc. green
sd · 2000
1 sentence

2017Poeppel, 2013 S.D. 17, ¶¶ 19, 21 , 827 N.W.2d at 584-85 ; Engels v. Ranger Bar, Inc., 2000 S.D. 1 , ¶ 15, 604 N.W.2d 241, 245 ; Holmes v. Couturier, 452 N.W.2d 135, 137 (S.D. 1990); Sabbagh v. Prof'l & Bus.

12017–2017
Wolford v. Freeman green
neb · 1948
1 sentence

2000Id. [¶ 16.] SDCL 53-4-5 provides that fraud, in relation to contracts, occurs when “[t]he suggestion as a fact of that which is not true [is made] by one who does not believe it to be true.” Deceit occurs when “[o]ne [ ] willfully deceives another, with intent to induce him to alter his position to his injury or risk....” SDCL 20-10-1.

12000–2000
Hisgen v. Hisgen green
sd · 1996
2 sentences

2000Hisgen v. His-gen, 1996 SD 122, ¶4 , 554 N.W.2d 494, 496 .

2000Hisgen v. His-gen, 1996 SD 122, ¶4 , 554 N.W.2d 494, 496 .

12000–2000
Smolnikar v. Robinson green
sd · 1992
1 sentence

1995Smolnikar v. Robinson, 479 N.W.2d 516 (S.D.1992); Cosand v. Bunker, 2 S.D. 294 , 50 N.W. 84 (1891); McLaughlin v. Wheeler, 1 S.D. 497 , 47 N.W. 816 (1891).

11995–1995
McLaughlin v. Wheeler neutral
sd · 1891
2 sentences

1995Smolnikar v. Robinson, 479 N.W.2d 516 (S.D.1992); Cosand v. Bunker, 2 S.D. 294 , 50 N.W. 84 (1891); McLaughlin v. Wheeler, 1 S.D. 497 , 47 N.W. 816 (1891).

1995Smolnikar v. Robinson, 479 N.W.2d 516 (S.D.1992); Cosand v. Bunker, 2 S.D. 294 , 50 N.W. 84 (1891); McLaughlin v. Wheeler, 1 S.D. 497 , 47 N.W. 816 (1891).

11995–1995
Cosand v. Bunker neutral
sd · 1891
2 sentences

1995Smolnikar v. Robinson, 479 N.W.2d 516 (S.D.1992); Cosand v. Bunker, 2 S.D. 294 , 50 N.W. 84 (1891); McLaughlin v. Wheeler, 1 S.D. 497 , 47 N.W. 816 (1891).

1995Smolnikar v. Robinson, 479 N.W.2d 516 (S.D.1992); Cosand v. Bunker, 2 S.D. 294 , 50 N.W. 84 (1891); McLaughlin v. Wheeler, 1 S.D. 497 , 47 N.W. 816 (1891).

11995–1995
Cert. of Question From US Dist. Court green
sd · 1985
1 sentence

1985NOTES [*] As we recently held in In re Certification of a Question of Law, 369 N.W.2d 658 (S.D.1985), the computation of prejudgment interest is a matter for the trial court's determination. [1] Synonyms of Continuity: succession, sequence, chain. [2] Synonyms of Consistency: congruous, harmonized, accordant. [3] Jury Instruction 15 pertained to advising the jury on the law governing alteration of insurance policy applications. [4] Had the trial judge not permitted oral testimony to establish the insurance company's "alteration" per Jury Instruction 14 and 15, the parol evidence rule would be

11985–1985
McCollam v. Littau green
sd · 1981
2 sentences

1985Fraud or mistake was also recognized as an excep tion to the parol evidence rule in McCollam v. Littau, 307 N.W.2d 144 (S.D.1981).

1985Fraud or mistake was also recognized as an exception *429 to the parol evidence rule in McCollam v. Littau, 307 N.W.2d 144 (S.D.1981).

11985–1985
Dale's Service Company, Inc. v. Jones green
idaho · 1975
11978–1978
Alcorn v. Linke green
iowa · 1965
11968–1968
Stebens v. Wilkinson green
iowa · 1957
11968–1968
Armstrong v. Cavanagh neutral
iowa · 1918
11968–1968
Beebe v. Pioneer Bank & Trust Co. green
idaho · 1921
11941–1941
Smith v. Price neutral
ill · 1865
11941–1941
Stoefen v. Brooks neutral
sd · 1939
11941–1941
Haag v. Burns green
sd · 1908
11932–1932
Mears v. Smith green
mass · 1908
11929–1929
Ware v. Allen green
· 1888
11929–1929
Moyers v. Fogarty green
· 1909
11929–1929

Statutes the citing opinions construe

SD § S.D. Codified Laws § 53-8-5 (10) SD § S.D. Codified Laws § 15-6-52 (4) SD § S.D. Codified Laws § 15-6-56 (4) SD § S.D. Codified Laws § 53-4-5 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 601 (1916–2026) NY 399 (1906–2026) CA 342 (1922–2026) PA 301 (1921–2026) OH 234 (1937–2026) IL 153 (1877–2025) MO 143 (1909–2025) MI 126 (1938–2026) TN 118 (1932–2026) CT 115 (1930–2025) FL 111 (1928–2024) WA 108 (1916–2025) IA 96 (1916–2025) AZ 96 (1925–2025) NC 91 (1920–2026) GA 90 (1910–2025) OR 88 (1915–2021) VA 80 (1920–2025) AL 79 (1927–2018) LA 78 (1930–2018) MA 74 (1923–2026) MN 72 (1922–2025) IN 67 (1951–2020) UT 63 (1921–2026) AR 61 (1930–2024) MD 61 (1932–2025) SC 60 (1924–2025) NJ 59 (1926–2026) ND 53 (1926–2019) ID 49 (1978–2020) MT 48 (1920–2019) MS 47 (1922–2025) OK 47 (1924–2021) DE 46 (1954–2026) NE 46 (1921–2020) KS 46 (1914–2020) RI 42 (1951–2021) WY 41 (1926–2022) ME 38 (1928–2024) WV 35 (1922–2020) CO 35 (1924–2025) NM 34 (1933–2019) WI 31 (1934–2023) VT 29 (1916–2026) SD 26 (1929–2025) HI 25 (1962–2025) NV 21 (1957–2022) DC 20 (1950–2025) KY 19 (1935–2026) AK 18 (1971–2022) NH 16 (1948–2021) VI 3 (1988–2025)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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