Ungraded Practice Problem

0 points possible (ungraded)

Based upon the cases we have seen so far, what do you believe are the requirements of enforcing a
promise through reliance? (Select 2)

Reasonableness 

Bargained-for promise

Foreseeability 

Moral Obligation

Written Contract

incorrect

Explanation

Professor Fried will answer this question in the next video.

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1/1 point (graded)

In which of the following scenarios would a court likely enforce a promise on the theory of
reliance? (Select 2)

Jack had to go out of town for work last minute and announced to a group of friends he would
pay someone a million dollars to watch his dog since all the boarding facilities were full. Henry
volunteered to watch the dog, and then put a down payment on a new house the next day.

Mary knows that John would like to purchase a small tract of land, so she promises to give him
$20,000 so that he can purchase it. Before Mary gives him the money, John makes arrangements to
buy the land. The next day, Mary has a change of heart and withdraws her promise to John.

Elliot’s dad promised to pay for his tuition if he attended Ames Law School. Elliot received a full
scholarship to Holt Law School, but decided to attend Ames Law School for $100,000 since his dad
had promised to handle the bill. After Elliot graduated, his dad told him that he would not be paying
for his tuition.

Reagan owns a restaurant, and a piece inside the oven broke. Reagan called the manufacturer
of the oven to replace the broken piece. The manufacturer promised to ameliorate the problem
immediately but took three days to supply the broken piece. During that time, the restaurant was
unable to prepare any meals, had to remain closed, and lost thousands of dollars in business.

correct

Remember to select all correct answers.

Explanation

In the first example, Mary essentially promised to make a gift, but courts have ruled that there are
circumstances in which reliance on such a promise is reasonable and the resulting loss must be
compensated by the promisor. The second example, like Ricketts v. Scothorn, is a case where the
reliance on the promise was both reasonable and forseeable. C is incorrect because the
manufacturer could not foresee that the restaurant would lose thousands of dollars because of one
broken piece.

1. Hint (1 of 1): Keep in mind all of the factors that courts use when deciding whether to
enforce based on reliance. Especially remember that there must be a promise for the other
party to rely upon, and that any reliance on that promise must be reasonable.