Promissory estoppel is a cause of action that might be asserted against a party for the first party’s detrimental reliance upon a promise from the second party. Equitable estoppel is a defense against a claim of one party. In equitable estoppel the party claiming estoppel is basing its defense on assertions of present or past facts. Promissory estoppel goes toward the second party’s future intentions.

Estoppel itself is used to keep a party from promising one thing and then changing the circumstances after a second party has relied upon the promise. Promissory estoppel allows the party who was wronged by his or her reliance upon the specific promise or assertion to collect damages. In an issue of promissory estoppel, the promise must be definite.

A representation can be made either by words or conduct in equitable estoppel. A party who has a duty to make a statement but fails to make one is in effect making a statement by its silence. The party making the representation intends for the other party to rely upon such a representation.

After the first party makes a representation by word or deed, it may not contradict its representation. The second party states that the first party is estopped from changing its position based upon the first party’s initial representation to the second party. The second party’s claim of estoppel is a defense against whatever claim the first party is putting against the second party. Each of these claims must be factual in nature in order for the two parties to argue them.

The party who detrimentally relied upon the promise made by another party may use promissory estoppel to attempt to get relief for whatever problem the reliance has caused. The party requesting relief will have to prove to the court that the first party made a specific promise and that the second party took an action or actions based upon such a promise. In order to receive relief, the result of the actions taken by the second party must have resulted in some form of loss. Again, the actions taken and the loss incurred must be factual in nature, or there will be no relief granted to the requesting party.

The manner in which each of these forms of estoppel is argued varies by jurisdiction. Certain jurisdictions rarely permit the defense of equitable estoppel. Equitable estoppel is less precise and as such might be more difficult to prove. Promissory estoppel has certain specific elements that must be proven in order for the cause of action to exist; thus, it is permitted in all jurisdictions.