What does the Statute of Frauds mandate regarding contracts?

The Statute of Frauds is a legal doctrine requiring specific types of contracts to be in writing to be enforceable in a court of law. This statute is designed to prevent misunderstandings and fraud in contractual agreements, notably those involving significant commitments or complex transactions. Contracts that typically fall under the Statute of Frauds include those for the sale of real estate, agreements that cannot be performed within one year, and contracts for the sale of goods valued over a certain amount, among others.

By mandating that these contracts must be in writing, the Statute of Frauds provides a clear and verifiable record of the terms agreed upon by all parties involved. This written documentation helps ensure that all parties have a mutual understanding of their obligations, reducing the chances of disputes arising later on.

The other options do not reflect the requirements set forth by the Statute of Frauds. For example, verbal agreements can be enforceable for many types of contracts but typically can lead to ambiguous interpretations and thus might lack the reliability that written agreements provide. Similarly, while filing documents with a courthouse and notarization may be necessary for certain legal processes, these actions are not included in the general requirements of the Statute of Frauds itself.