Wightman v.

Coates

 nat of case: assumptsit on breach of marriage

 fact sum: Coates (Δ) promised to marry Wightman (π) but breached his promise & married ano
 rule: when 1 party to engagement of marriage wantonly & capriciously refuses to execute K of
marriage, injury may be so serious as to justify claim for damages
 issue: is there such a cause of action as 1 for breach of promise of marriage?
 holding & decision:
- parties agreed to be faithful to ea other & remove ‘selves fr dating community
- if 1 party breaks commitment, can lead to compensable injury → esp true when ♀ = injured party
- ♀’s more delicate than ♂ & reqs pub’s protection
- when ♂’s behav places ♀ in position where she may face life of celibacy b/c of broken promise, she
deserves & will rec jury’s full attn

Stanard v. Bolin

 nat of case: appeal in action for breach of promise of marriage

 fact sum: Bolin (Δ) arg’d that CL action for breach of promise should be abolished
 rule: action for breach of promise is valid w/ exception that damages for loss of expected finan’l & social
position won’t be allowed
 issue: is action for breach of promise valid & will damages for loss of expected finan’l & social position be
allowed?
 holding & decision:
- yes, action for breach of promise is valid w/ exception that damages for loss of expected finan’l & social
position won’t be allowed
- b/c of Δ in nat of marriages (i.e., no longer arranged based on position & wealth), no award should be made
for loss of expected social position or wealth → such awards contrary to pub policy & may weigh on
person’s mind in deciding on marriage
-  Δ’s wealth or position = immaterial & should be excluded fr evidence

Family Law Cases Page 1