What does the Statute of Frauds require for enforceable contracts regarding land?

The Statute of Frauds is a legal doctrine that mandates certain types of contracts to be in writing in order to be enforceable. This requirement is particularly relevant to contracts concerning the sale or transfer of real estate, as verbal agreements regarding land transactions may lead to misunderstandings and disputes.

By requiring written contracts, the Statute of Frauds aims to provide a clear, unambiguous record of the terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties involved. This written documentation serves multiple purposes: it helps to prevent fraud, clarifies the intentions of the parties, and provides evidence in the event of legal disputes.

In the context of real estate, this requirement ensures that all significant details—including the description of the property, the purchase price, and the signatures of the parties—are formally documented. Consequently, contracts that do not meet the written requirements outlined by the Statute of Frauds are typically unenforceable in a court of law.