Sandy guarantees to pay Lester any debts Albert incurs with Lester. Sandy makes this guarantee because she knows that if she does not, Albert will run up a large debt with Lester and be forced to declare bankruptcy. Albert would then most likely be unable to pay Sandy what he owes her. Does this contract have to be in writing?

No, under the main purpose rule

Explanation:

Based on the information provided within the question it can be said that in this scenario the contract does not have to be in writing. This is because of the main purpose rule. This rule states that a promise to pay the debt of another individual does not need to be in writing if the promisor is acting with the intent of securing their own economic benefit.

answer; the automatic system because it is a "gut reactor"  

answer; when circuit courts do not agree on a decision in similar fact pattern;