Which is an example of an exception to the statute of frauds?

• A. Partial performance
• B. Written contract
• C. Oral contract
• D. Public records

Answer: (A)

Partial performance is an exception to the statute of frauds. When a contract for the sale of land has not been put in writing, the court can enforce the agreement to the extent that one party has already performed. If the buyer has taken possession, paid part of the price, or made improvements, those actions show reliance on the deal, and enforcing just that portion prevents unjust results. In other words, the behavior already undertaken under the oral agreement shows a real commitment, so the contract isn’t completely void for lack of a written document.

A written contract is the standard requirement, not an exception. An oral contract is typically unenforceable under the statute of frauds unless another specific exception applies. Public records don’t create a binding exception to the writing requirement on their own; they may help prove terms, but they don’t substitute for a written agreement.