What is promissory estoppel in simple terms?

Asked by: Velva Greenfelder  |  Last update: August 23, 2022
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Within contract law, promissory estoppel refers to the doctrine that a party may recover on the basis of a promise made when the party's reliance on that promise was reasonable, and the party attempting to recover detrimentally relied on the promise.

What is a promissory estoppel example?

An example of promissory estoppel might be applied in a case where an employer makes an oral promise to an employee to pay the employee a specified monthly or annual amount of money throughout the full duration of the employee's retirement.

Why is promissory estoppel used?

The purpose of promissory estoppel is to prevent the promisor from contesting that the original promise that was made should not be upheld in a court of law. Promissory estoppel is a significant concept of American law, and it also exists in the laws of other countries.

Is promissory estoppel a claim or defense?

It implies that a contracted promise is enforceable by law even without any consideration present. It is important, however, to understand that the promissory estoppel can only be used as a legal defense and not to initiate a legal claim.

What does estoppel mean in legal terms?

A bar that prevents one from asserting a claim or right that contradicts what one has said or done before, or what has been legally established as true. Estoppel may be used as a bar to the relitigation of issues or as an affirmative defense.

What is promissory estoppel?

27 related questions found

What is the difference between estoppel and promissory estoppel?

Estoppel itself is used to keep a party from promising one thing and then changing the circumstances after a second party has relied upon the promise. Promissory estoppel allows the party who was wronged by his or her reliance upon the specific promise or assertion to collect damages.

What is another word for estoppel?

In this page you can discover 3 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for estoppel, like: restitutionary, set off and easement.

What are the four conditions of promissory estoppel?

The elements of a promissory estoppel claim are “(1) a promise clear and unambiguous in its terms; (2) reliance by the party to whom the promise is made; (3) [the] reliance must be both reasonable and foreseeable; and (4) the party asserting the estoppel must be injured by his reliance.” (US Ecology, Inc.

Can you sue for promissory estoppel?

There cannot be a written contract, for there to be promissory estoppel. Although you can sue for both, ultimately, a Plaintiff in a court case will have to choose between estoppel or breach of contract if there is a written agreement.

What are the limitations of promissory estoppel?

Limitation on Promissory Estoppel

Must have been (detrimental) reliance on the promise. Cannot be inequitable for promisor to go back on the promise. A "shield not a sword" It suspends rights and does not get rid of them.

What is promissory estoppel and when is it applicable?

Promissory estoppel applies when the promisor has made a promise to the promisee. The promisee must have relied on the promise and suffered a loss due to non-performance of the contract. The doctrine prevents the promisor or enterprise from going back on their word or promise.

Does promissory estoppel create a contract?

The Law – Promissory Estoppel/Equitable Estoppel:

Promissory estoppel does not create a contract where none existed before, but only prevents a party from insisting upon their strict legal rights when it would be unjust to allow it to enforce them.

What three conditions must be met before the principle of promissory estoppel can be applied?

The doctrine of promissory estoppel is invoked in the interests of justice when three conditions are met: (1) the promise is one that the promisor should reasonably expect to induce the promisee to take action or forbear from taking action of a definite and substantial character; (2) the action or forbearance is taken; ...

How do you use estoppel in a sentence?

Estoppel in a Sentence

1. Because the father had already stated the child wasn't his, collateral estoppel prevented him from filing for child support. 2. The law school professor explained that estoppel is a legal principle that prevents people from being done wrong in court.

What is meant by estopped?

Estoppel is a judicial device in common law legal systems whereby a court may prevent or "estop" a person from making assertions or from going back on his or her word; the person being sanctioned is "estopped". Estoppel may prevent someone from bringing a particular claim.

Which case deals with promissory estoppel?

The term 'promissory estoppel was used for the first time by the Supreme Court in the case of Collector of Bombay v. Bombay Municipal Corporation. In this case the govt.

Is promissory estoppel an equitable action?

Proprietary Estoppel, and promissory Estoppel, is an equitable remedy and requires the claimant to show:​ An unambiguous promise by words or conduct. Reliance on that promise to the claimant's detriment. That it would be unjust or inequitable to allow the other party to go back on the promise.

Can promissory estoppel be used as a sword?

The doctrine can only be used as a 'shield not a sword'

The court held that promissory estoppel does not create a cause of action and as such the requirement of consideration in formation of contract is still relevant.

Does promissory estoppel undermine consideration?

Denning LJ explained in the obiter that promissory estoppel cannot be used as a cause of action as it is not meant to undermine contractual formation and consideration. In addition, Denning LJ stated that while consideration is necessary in the formation of a contract, modification and discharge of a contract does not.

How do you prove estoppel?

The 5 elements of Promissory Estoppel are:
  1. Some form of legal relationship either exists or is anticipated between the parties. ...
  2. A representation or promise by one party. ...
  3. Reliance by the other party on the promise or representation. ...
  4. Detriment. ...
  5. Unconscionability.

When was promissory estoppel created?

Promissory estoppel, as a contracts doctrine has been expressly acknowledged for less than thirty years. First formulated in 1920, by Samuel Williston,' the doctrine was included as Section 90 in the Restatement of Contracts, published twelve years later.

Is promissory estoppel a tort?

' They perceive promissory estoppel as a tort-like remedy designed to compensate a promisee for his reasonable and forseeable detrimental reliance on a promise.

Is government bound by promissory estoppel?

It cannot be used to compel the Government or even a private party to do an act prohibited by law. There can be no promissory estoppel against the exercise of legislative power. The legislature can never be precluded from exercising its legislative functions by resort to the doctrine of promissory estoppel.

Who is a partner by estoppel?

A person who exhibits such conduct, or says words which represent, or allow him to be represented, as a partner in any firm becomes liable to any loans or credits that are obtained by the firm.

What is an example of estoppel in real estate?

For instance, if a landlord agrees not to terminate a tenant's lease as long as the tenant spends money on improving the property, an estoppel certificate could prevent the landlord from going back on their word and terminating the lease, even when the promise may not have been written into a contract.