Which law requires that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable?

The requirement that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable is governed by the Statute of Frauds. This law was established to prevent fraud and misunderstandings in contractual agreements by ensuring that specific types of contracts—such as those involving real estate transactions, contracts that cannot be performed within one year, and agreements for the sale of goods over a certain value—are documented in writing.

The Statute of Frauds stipulates that without a written agreement, some contracts are not enforceable in a court of law. This provision encourages clarity and accountability among parties entering into significant agreements. It serves as an essential element of contract law to protect individuals from entering into binding obligations based solely on oral agreements.

In contrast, the other laws mentioned, such as the Statute of Limitations, pertain to the time frame within which legal actions must be brought and do not mandate that contracts be in writing. The Uniform Commercial Code governs commercial transactions but also incorporates the principles laid out in the Statute of Frauds for specific contracts. Common Law of Contracts refers more broadly to the principles governing contracts and does not specify the necessity of written agreements for certain types. Thus, the Statute of Frauds is the key legal doctrine regarding the requirement for written contracts