Mark Moneybags presents Golda Goldigger with a diamond engagement ring worth $50,000 and asks her to marry him.  She says yes and they set a date.  She takes the ring out of the box and puts the ring on her finger.

The appointed date and time arrives, and Golda does not show up for the wedding ceremony.  Mark sues her to get back the ring or its value.

This appears to be a classic "breach of promise" case that meets all the requirements for an offer.  Was this a contract that the law will enforce? 

#2: Slick Willie asks Holly Hopeful to marry him, and she agrees.  As is the custom in the country that they both originated from, Slick negotiates with her father for a dowry of $100,000, which the father pays to Willie.  The bride's parents spend another $50,000 on the wedding preparations.

The appointed date and time arrives, and Willie does not show up for the wedding ceremony.  Holly and her father sue him to get back the $150,000 they have spent.  Was this a contract that the law will enforce by assessing monetary damages?  

Are breach of promise suits permitted in other countries?  Explain any differences in the legal reasoning.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

This particular situation can be considered as a breach of promise case which typically involves an ... View the full answer