An illusory promise is a promise that is unenforceable due to indefiniteness or lack of mutuality , where only one side is bound to perform.
Thus, a promise may be enforceable to the extent that the promisee has incurred substantial costs, or conferred benefits, in reasonable reliance on the promise. Promissory estoppel under Section 90 of the Restatement of Contracts is the primary enforcement mechanism when action in reliance follows the promise.
Consideration for each other are called reciprocal promises: (g) An agreement not enforceable by law is said to be void: (h) An agreement enforceable by law is a contract: (i) An agreement which is enforceable by law at the option of one or more of the parties- thereto, but not at the option of the other or others, is ...
Contract law has ventured far beyond such narrow limitations, embracing reliance and unjust enrichment as additional principles of promissory obligation. Thus, a promise may be enforceable to the extent that the promisee has incurred substantial costs, or conferred benefits, in reasonable reliance on the promise.
In common law, a promise is not, as a general rule, binding as a contract unless it is supported by consideration (or it is made as a deed).
A contract that is void is not legally enforceable and the parties thereto are not legally obligated to each other. Generally, contracts are void because the subject matter is not legal or one of the contracting parties does not have the competency to contract.
In order for a promise to be binding, there must be an acceptance of that promise/offer, and consideration exchanged. When these elements are combined, a contract is created, and a contract is a binding agreement which compels parties to fulfill their promises or face legal repercussions.
And even though contracts are infinitely varied in length, terms, and complexity, all contracts must contain these six essential elements. Offer. Acceptance. Awareness. Consideration. Capacity. Legality.
In Florida, promissory estoppel is a legal doctrine that allows a person (the “promisee”) to enforce a promise made by another (the “promisor”), even if there is no formal contract, as long as the person relied on that promise to their detriment.