The statement "Promissory estoppel may be used as a shield and not as a sword" carries what meaning with respect to the classical application of common law doctrine of promissory estoppel?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement means that promissory estoppel can only be used as a defence if someone is trying to renege on a promise they made, but it cannot be used as a basis to initiate a lawsuit. In other words, it acts as a shield for the party who has been promised something but not received it, but cannot be used as a sword to attack the party who made the promise. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

The Statement "Promissory Estoppel May Be Used as a Shield