Which of the following is considered a substantive rule in choice of law?

• A. Statute of limitations
• B. Burden of proof
• C. Parol evidence rule
• D. Judicial notice of other state's law

Answer: (C)

In choice of law, distinguish between substantive rules (which create rights and duties or govern the outcome) and procedural rules (which govern how the case is brought and tried). The parol evidence rule fits as a substantive rule because it directly restricts what evidence may be used to interpret a contract. By limiting extrinsic evidence, it can change the contractual rights and the way terms are enforced under the law chosen to apply, not merely describe a courtroom procedure.

Burden of proof is a procedural matter—it's about who must prove something and how the case is litigated. Judicial notice of another state’s law is also procedural, governing what the court will accept on its own as establishing a point of law from another jurisdiction. The statute of limitations is typically treated as a procedural timing device in conflicts of law — it affects when a claim is timely, rather than altering the substantive rights themselves—so it’s not the best fit for a substantive-rule example.