Union Oil Co. v. Newton

Plaintiff instituted suit in district court to recover possession of premises because of unpaid rent owing from defendant under the provisions of the parties’ service station lease. On defendant’s motion the matter was removed to Ingham Circuit Court where the trial judge first denied plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment, then accepted parol testimony from defendant on the intent of the parties, and finally entered a judgment in favor of defendant lessee. The Court of Appeals reversed on the basis that the lease agreement was complete and unambiguous, and therefore precluded the admission…