Which of the following contracts must be in writing under the Statute of Frauds?

The option regarding a contract for the sale of goods priced at $500 or more must be in writing under the Statute of Frauds. This legal principle is designed to prevent fraud and misunderstandings in certain types of contracts, specifically those that are significant in value or duration.

The Statute of Frauds requires specific types of agreements to be documented in writing to be enforceable. This includes contracts for the sale of goods worth $500 or more, as specified by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). This provision is crucial for ensuring clarity and accountability in transactions involving higher values, minimizing disputes related to verbal agreements which may lead to confusion or fraudulent claims.

In context, while the other contracts listed involve significant terms or durations, they either do not meet the criteria set forth by the Statute of Frauds or fit into exceptions that allow for verbal agreements to be enforceable. For example, the residential apartment lease for one year generally does not require writing unless it is for more than one year, and an employment contract for six months typically does not fall under the Statute of Frauds. Thus, the requirement for a written contract solidifies the need for clarity in high-value transactions, which is illustrated in the context of the sale of goods.