Promissory Estoppel

These Contract Law notes looks at Promissory Estoppel. These notes provide a detailed breakdown of the general principles and the key Promissory Estoppel cases that unpin each principle. Each case is presented as simple summary giving the student the facts that are important. Followed by the ratio of the case and the reasoning of why the case is authority for the general principle. There is also commentary on how the case should be applied when giving advice.  These notes will give any student a good understanding of the topic.

Cases

Waivers

Hickman v Haynes (1874-75) L.R. 10 C.P. 598

Charles Rickards Ltd v Oppenheim [1950] 1 K.B. 616

Promissory Estoppel

Hughes v Metropolitan Railway Co (1887) 2 App. Cas. 439

Central London Property v High Trees House [1947] KB 130

When does promissory estoppel exist?

Woodhouse A.C. Israel Cocoa Ltd. S.A. and Another v Nigerian Produce Marketing Co. Ltd. [1972] A.C. 741; [1972] 2 W.L.R. 1090

Emmanuel Ayodeji Ajayi v R.T. Briscoe (Nigeria) Ltd. [1964] 1  W.L.R. 1326

How can Promissory Estoppel be used?

Tool Metal Manufacturing Co. v Tungsten Electric Ltd (No.2) [1955] 1 WLR 761

Combe v Combe [1951] 2 KB 215

D&C Builders v Rees [1966] 2 Q.B. 617