Promissory estoppel is a legal doctrine that allows a person to enforce a promise made by another person, even if there was no formal contract in place. This doctrine is often used in situations where one person has relied on the promise of another person, and has suffered some sort of harm or detriment as a result of that reliance.
There are several elements that must be present in order for promissory estoppel to apply. First, there must be a promise made by one person to another. This promise must be clear and definite, and must be made with the intention of inducing the other person to rely on it.
Second, the person who relied on the promise must have suffered some sort of harm or detriment as a result of their reliance. This can be financial harm, such as the loss of money or property, or it can be non-financial harm, such as emotional distress or damage to reputation.
Third, the person who relied on the promise must have acted in reliance on that promise. This means that they must have taken some sort of action based on the promise, such as making a financial investment or quitting their job.
Finally, the person who made the promise must have known or should have known that the other person would rely on the promise and suffer harm as a result.
In order to successfully assert a claim for promissory estoppel, the person seeking to enforce the promise must be able to show that all of these elements are present. If they are able to do so, they may be able to recover damages from the person who made the promise.
There are several situations in which promissory estoppel may be used. For example, if a person is promised a job by another person, and quits their current job in reliance on that promise, they may be able to use promissory estoppel if the promise is not fulfilled. Similarly, if a person is promised payment for goods or services, and suffers financial harm as a result of not receiving that payment, they may be able to use promissory estoppel to recover damages.
In conclusion, promissory estoppel is a legal doctrine that allows a person to enforce a promise made by another person, even if there was no formal contract in place. It is often used in situations where one person has relied on the promise of another person, and has suffered some sort of harm or detriment as a result of that reliance.