A newspaper reporter promises his source to keep the source's identity confidential when running a story that indicts his employer. The secret source is accidentally named in the story and subsequently fired from his job. What legal doctrine allows the source to sue for damages?

Question

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Promissory estoppel is a legal doctrine that prevents a person from going back on a promise made to another person, which the other person relied on and resulted in harm. In this case, the newspaper reporter promised to keep the source's identity confidential, and the source relied on this promise by providing information that ultimately led to their firing. Therefore, the source can sue for damages based on promissory estoppel.

A Newspaper Reporter Promises His Source to Keep the Source's