In Ohio, is a verbal agreement generally enforceable in contract law?

In Ohio, a verbal agreement generally falls under the category of informal contracts and can be enforceable, but it is subject to specific exceptions outlined in contract law. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and common law principles indicate that while many contracts can be enforceable without written documentation, certain types must adhere to the Statute of Frauds, which requires particular contracts to be in writing to be enforceable.

These exceptions typically include contracts involving the sale of real estate, agreements that cannot be performed within one year, contracts for the sale of goods over a certain value, and promises to answer for the debts of another, among others. When a verbal agreement does not fall under these statutory requirements, it can still be enforceable if it meets the essential elements of a contract, such as mutual consent, consideration, legal purpose, and capacity.

Thus, the assertion that a verbal agreement is generally enforceable in Ohio law only under certain exceptions aligns with the legal understanding that while many oral contracts can be valid, their enforceability can depend on specific conditions or the nature of the agreement itself. This nuanced understanding of contract law is crucial for determining the validity of verbal agreements in a legal context.