Written Contracts Required

The Statute of Frauds is a legal doctrine requiring certain types of significant contracts to be in writing and signed to be legally enforceable, preventing fraud and misunderstandings by demanding written proof for complex agreements like those involving real estate, long-term services (over a year), sales of goods over $500 (under the UCC), marriage promises, or guarantees for another's debt. Its primary objective is to provide evidence and caution parties in major transactions, though exceptions (like part performance) can make some oral contracts valid.