Legal Definitions - Statute of Frauds and Perjuries

The Statute of Frauds and Perjuries is a law that requires certain contracts to be in writing and signed by the party to be charged. The purpose of this law is to prevent fraud and perjury in court cases.

• A contract for the sale or transfer of an interest in land
• A contract that cannot be performed within one year of its making
• A contract for the sale of goods valued at $500 or more
• A contract of an executor or administrator to answer for a decedent's debt
• A contract to guarantee the debt or duty of another
• A contract made in consideration of marriage

For example, if John promises to sell his house to Jane, but they do not put the agreement in writing and sign it, the contract may not be enforceable in court. This is because the contract falls under the category of "a contract for the sale or transfer of an interest in land," which is covered by the Statute of Frauds.

Another example is if Sarah promises to pay Tom $1,000 if he completes a project for her that will take two years to finish. If they do not put the agreement in writing and sign it, the contract may not be enforceable in court. This is because the contract falls under the category of "a contract that cannot be performed within one year of its making," which is also covered by the Statute of Frauds.