Which document serves as a formal means to define roles and expectations but is widely considered a non-binding agreement or difficult to enforce in court?

The correct answer, which is the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), serves as a formal document that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of parties involved in a particular project or agreement. While it is designed to establish a clear understanding and framework for cooperation, an MOU is typically not legally binding.

This characteristic makes an MOU distinct from other documents like a Master Service Agreement (MSA), which often establishes a legally enforceable relationship between parties; a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which is specifically designed to protect confidential information and is enforceable in court; and an Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA), which is used to define specific security practices and requirements when two organizations connect systems, generally containing enforceable obligations.

An MOU is mainly used to facilitate communication and collaboration, indicating a mutual agreement on certain terms without the legal implications that come with binding contracts. It allows parties to express intentions and outline plans without committing to stringent legal consequences, making it a common tool for preliminary discussions or collaborative efforts before more formal agreements are crafted.