                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

PRACTICAL CONSTRUCTION (§ 59.1-503.2)

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

   1. express terms prevail over course of performance, course of dealing, and
   usage 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 performance is to
occur must be used in interpreting the agreement as to that part of the
performance.

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

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

HISTORY: 2000, cc. 101, 996.