Promissory Estoppel: A Detailed Description and Examples Promissory estoppel is a legal doctrine used in contract law to enforce a promise made by one party to another, even if there is no formal contract between them. It provides a remedy for the injured party when they have detrimentally relied on the promise and would suffer an injustice if the promise was not honored. Promissory estoppel requires certain elements to be satisfied for it to be applicable. Firstly, there must be a clear and definite promise made by one party to another. Secondly, the party receiving the promise must rely on it, changing their position or taking some action based on that promise. Lastly, the party relying on the promise must suffer a detriment as a result of that reliance. One example of promissory estoppel could involve a scenario where an employer tells an employee that they will receive a specific bonus at the end of the year. The employee relies on this promise and decides not to pursue other job opportunities based on the expectation of the bonus. However, when the end of the year arrives, the employer decides not to provide the promised bonus. In this case, the employee can invoke promissory estoppel to hold the employer accountable for their promise and seek appropriate compensation. There are two main types of promissory estoppel: 1. Equitable Promissory Estoppel: This type of promissory estoppel is used when it would be unfair or inequitable to allow one party to go back on their promise. It focuses on fair dealings between parties and provides a remedy to prevent injustice. Example: A landlord promises a tenant that they can continue to rent their apartment without any rent increases for the next five years. The tenant relies on this promise and decides to stay in the apartment. However, after a year, the landlord tries to increase the rent substantially. The tenant can invoke equitable promissory estoppel to enforce the promise made by the landlord. 2. Promissory Estoppel as a Defense: This type of promissory estoppel is used as a defense by a defendant when a plaintiff tries to enforce a promise against them, and it would be unjust to do so. It prevents the plaintiff from going back on their promise if the defendant had reasonably relied on it and suffered a detriment due to that reliance. Example: A seller agrees to sell their car to a buyer for a specific price. Based on this agreement, the buyer sells his existing car and makes other financial arrangements. However, just before the car sale is due to take place, the seller changes their mind and refuses to sell at the agreed price. The buyer can use promissory estoppel as a defense against the seller, arguing that they detrimentally relied on the promise and would suffer a loss if the agreement is not honored. In conclusion, promissory estoppel is a valuable legal doctrine that provides protection against broken promises, ensuring fairness and justice in contractual relationships. It offers recourse for parties who have reasonably relied on promises and suffered detrimental consequences if those promises are not fulfilled.