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promissory estoppel

Promissory estoppel is an equitable theory of recovery that permits enforcement of a promise when one or more elements necessary to create an enforceable contract are missing.

The elements of promissory estoppel are generally: (1) a promise; (2) foreseeability of reliance by the promisor; (3) substantial and reasonable reliance by the promisee to its detriment; and (4) enforcing the promise is necessary to avoid injustice.

In Rhode Island, promissory estoppel serves as a legal remedy that allows a party to enforce a promise even when a formal contract does not exist or certain elements for a contract are lacking. The doctrine is based on the principle of fairness and seeks to prevent injustice that would result if the promise were not enforced. The key elements required to establish promissory estoppel in Rhode Island include: (1) a clear and definite promise, (2) a reasonable expectation by the promisor that the promisee will rely on the promise, (3) actual and reasonable reliance on the promise by the promisee to their detriment, and (4) a finding by the court that enforcement of the promise is necessary to avoid an injustice. If these elements are met, Rhode Island courts may enforce the promise as if it were a contract, obligating the promisor to fulfill the commitment made.

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Contracts

promissory estoppel

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Contracts

promissory estoppel

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