LAW 600A Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: United States District Court For The Southern District Of New York
Document Summary
Class 24: 10/17/16: plain meaning and ambiguous terms. If a word has plain meaning, then extrinsic evidence is not required to interpret the word within an agreement. If a word is ambiguous, then extrinsic evidence is allowed to provide context so that the court can interpret it. Essentially, even if an agreement is fully integrated, extrinsic evidence will be allowed to interpret ambiguous terms of the contract. Plaintiff contract with defendant for the purchase and shipment of 50k lbs. 3lbs us fresh frozen chicken, grade a, gov. The issue is in regards to the heavier chicken. Defendant send plaintiff chickens classified as stewing or fowl. Plaintiff contends that defendant should have sent chickens specified as broiling/frying chickens. Plaintiff argues that the trade usage for chicken meant its understanding of the word. Plaintiff has the burden of proving that their understanding of the word chicken was meant.
