Which law requires that certain types of contracts be written to be enforceable?

• A. Statute of Frauds
• B. Statute of Limitations
• C. Parol Evidence Rule
• D. Uniform Commercial Code

Answer: (A)

Contracts that must be in writing to be enforceable are governed by the Statute of Frauds. This rule sets which agreements need a written, signed document to be legally enforceable, helping prevent disputes over uncertain terms. In real estate practice, for example, a purchase contract for property must be in writing; oral agreements for real estate typically can’t be enforced. It also covers other types, such as contracts for the sale of goods over a certain amount under the UCC, leases longer than one year, and promises to pay someone else’s debt. The other listed laws don’t impose the writing requirement: the statute of limitations governs how long you have to sue; the parol evidence rule limits use of external writings to interpret a contract; and the Uniform Commercial Code is a broad set of laws for commercial transactions, not specifically the writing requirement itself.