Interpretation involves an ascertainment of the meaning of a contract. Whereas "construction" of a contract relates to the legal effect of the words used by the parties, "interpretation" addresses the meaning of the parties. Whose meaning is to be given effect with respect to certain contract terms? What evidence may be taken into account when courts engage in interpretation? In another lesson, the discussion of the parol evidence rule relates to the admissibility of agreements made prior to or contemporaneous with the writing. Here, the parol evidence rule will be considered with respect to the admissibility of extrinsic evidence to determine the meaning of the contract as formed.
