From: ichudov@algebra.com (Igor Chudov @ home)
Date: Wed, 5 Jun 1996 18:40:08 +0800
To: sandfort@crl.com (Sandy Sandfort)
Subject: Re: Electronic Signature Act Of 1996
In-Reply-To: <2.2.32.19960604165840.00725e30@popmail.crl.com>
Message-ID: <199606050323.WAA09499@manifold.algebra.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text


Sandy Sandfort wrote:
> C'punks,
> 
> At 11:11 AM 6/4/96 -0400, Perry E. Metzger wrote:
> 
> >...I get the impression that under the common law, an ink 
> >signature is merely a demonstration that a party assented 
> >to a contract, and except for certain contracts (which 
> >usually require witnesses etc.) there is no requirement in 
> >the law that a contract even be on paper...
> 
> The "Statute of Frauds" lists the exceptions and they cover
> most important contracts.  I seem to recall that contracts
> over a given amount or for interests in real property for 
> periods of a year or more are covered.  I'm sure someone 
> with current access to legal research resources will post
> a better explanation.

[I AM NOT A LAWYER]

The following contracts are required to be in writing, in most states: 


1. A contract of an executor or administrator to answer
for a duty of the decedent (the executor-administrator
provision).

2. A contract to answer for debt or default of another (the suretyship
provision).

3. A contract made upon consideration of marriage (the marriage provision).

4. A contract for sale of goods worth more than $500 (the sales provision).

5. A contract for sale of an interest in land (the land provision).

6. A contract not preformable within a year (the one-year provision).

	- Igor.