Patty is a poor college student struggling to work and keep up with her studies.Fred,her uncle,promises to pay Patty support of $200 per month for the next six months.Although Fred didn't ask her to,she quits her current job in order to devote full time to her studies for the next six months.Fred makes one payment and then stops with no explanation.If Patty sues,what is the likely result?
A)Fred would win,as he did not ask Patty to quit her job.
B)Patty would win,as a contract was formed when Fred promised to pay her the support.
C)Fred would win,as family members cannot sue each other for breach of an oral promise.
D)Patty may win under the doctrine of promissory estoppel.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patty may win under the doctrine of promissory estoppel, which applies when a party suffers a detriment due to another party's promise and the court finds it necessary to prevent injustice. In this case, Patty quit her job in reliance on Fred's promise to provide financial support. Although there was no formal contract, the court may rule in Patty's favor based on the doctrine of promissory estoppel.

Patty Is a Poor College Student Struggling to Work and Keep