This essay seeks to discuss the Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel and the Doctrine of Consideration, as well as a clear analysis, with the use of case law, how Promissory Estoppel has become an exception to the general principle that a promise may only be enforced if it is supported by good consideration; it will ultimately conclude whether or not a promise to accept a smaller sum in discharge of a larger sum, if acted upon, is binding notwithstanding the absence of consideration.
A contract is a legally binding agreement in law between two or more parties, which is enforced by law or by binding arbitration if it covers the elements of a valid legal agreement. For there to be a valid contract, three elements must be present, offer, acceptance, and consideration. If there is no consideration, there is no contract; however, with promissory estoppel instead of consideration, if there is a promise which induces reliance, the court would find some sort of liability for the promise.…