59.1-503.2 - Practical construction. - Virginia Statutes

§ 59.1-503.2. Practical construction.

(a) The express terms of an agreement and any course of performance, courseof dealing, or usage of trade must be construed whenever reasonable asconsistent with each other. However, if that construction is unreasonable:

(1) express terms prevail over course of performance, course of dealing, andusage of trade;

(2) course of performance prevails over course of dealing and usage of trade;and

(3) course of dealing prevails over usage of trade.

(b) An applicable usage of trade in the place where any part of performanceis to occur must be used in interpreting the agreement as to that part of theperformance.

(c) Evidence of a relevant course of performance, course of dealing, or usageof trade offered by one party in a proceeding is not admissible unless anduntil the party offering the evidence has given the other party notice thatthe court finds sufficient to prevent unfair surprise.

(d) The existence and scope of a usage of trade must be proved as facts.

(2000, cc. 101, 996.)