According to the Statute of Frauds, what is required for a contract to be enforceable?

For a contract to be enforceable under the Statute of Frauds, it must be in writing. This legal principle is designed to prevent misunderstandings and fraudulent claims regarding the terms of agreements. Specifically, the Statute of Frauds requires certain types of contracts—such as those dealing with real estate transactions, contracts that cannot be performed within one year, and agreements for the sale of goods over a certain value—to be documented in written form. This requirement helps to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the terms, as well as providing tangible evidence of the agreement should a dispute arise.

While other options may pertain to various forms of contracts, they do not satisfy the enforceability criteria set by the Statute of Frauds. Verbal contracts may hold some weight in certain situations, but they often lead to ambiguity and are harder to prove in court. Similarly, while having a witness can lend credibility to a contract, it does not replace the necessity of having a written document. Notarization, while beneficial for verification purposes, is not a requirement for a contract to be enforceable under the Statute of Frauds. Therefore, the written form is paramount for the enforceability of contracts outlined by this statute.