Which legal principle allows enforcement of a promise made without consideration to prevent injustice?

• A. Promissory estoppel
• B. Insurable interest
• C. Usury
• D. Negligence

Answer: (A)

Promissory estoppel is the rule that allows enforcing a promise even without consideration when someone relies on that promise and would be harmed if it isn’t fulfilled. The idea is to prevent injustice that would come from breaking a promise that was relied upon.

For this to apply, there needs to be a clear and definite promise, the promisee must rely on it in a foreseeable way, and the reliance must be to the promisee’s substantial detriment. If enforcing the promise avoids an injustice, the court can require performance or provide a remedy even though no formal contract with consideration exists.

This concept differs from ensuring parties have a legal stake in a contract (insurable interest), prohibiting certain lending practices (usury), or addressing careless behavior that causes harm (negligence).