Does Mary have a case for reimbursement?

Yes. Mary has a valid claim for compensation. She is a private contractor whose business relies
on income, which might be imbalanced and cause her business to fail. Businesses that do not
generate a profit in today's marketplace, particularly small businesses. Janice felt that because
she had been invited to participate on the Home Improvement show, she would immediately get
an acceptance note. Janice also has a case because there was no agreement, either verbal or
written, that the money would be returned to Mary. Mary decided to invest $50000 on a risk.
Both have a good case. This case is far from over, and both sides have compelling arguments.
I'm going towards Mary because she was the one who lost the most money in the deal.
Promissory estoppel rules are intended to make it such that a promise can be enforced even if it
was made without consideration. However, there are other prerequisites that must be met, such
as the presence or expectation of a legal connection.

Under what legal theory might she prevail and what are her damages, if any?

(Tort) Actionable Civil Wrong: A wrongful omission capable of serving as the basis for a
lawsuit. Janice gave Mary the impression that deal or no deal, Janice would have her wallpaper
installed and would be paying for it. There are several possibilities for how this will work out.
Mary will win her case against Janice. Mary not only ordered $5000 worth of wallpaper, but she
also hired people. Janice’s hasty decisions cost Mary far more than the $5000 wallpaper.

What ethical theories might be applicable?

Consequential Theory can be used. The term "consequential" refers to the consequences and
outcomes of actions. The activities of Janice's Behavior in this situation resulted in unanticipated
effects for Mary. Janice put Mary in a position to reimburse the damages she made when she pre-
ordered a work, she wasn't sure she would need.

References:

LawTeacher (2003-2021), Consideration & Promissory Estoppel, retrieved from

https://www.lawteacher.net/lectures/contract-law/formation/consideration-promissory-estoppel/

Prenkert, J.D., Barnes, A.J., Perry, J.E., Haugh, T, & Stemler, A.R. (2022). Business law: The
ethical, global, and digital environment (18th ed.).

UpCounsel LLC (2021), Doctrine of Consideration and Promissory Estoppel, Retrieved from
https://www.upcounsel.com/doctrine-of-consideration-and-promissory-
estoppel#:~:text=Doctrine%20of%20Consideration%20and%20Promissory%20Estoppel