Opinion ID: 1614851
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Does the Record Contain Evidence From Which a Jury Could Find a Clear and Definite Promise?

Text: Before we discuss the record support for this element of promissory estoppel, we point out that the burden of proof is on the plaintiff to prove an estoppel. See National Bank, 434 N.W.2d at 889. In addition, strict proof of all elements is required. Id. A. Undisputed facts. As the facts reviewed above demonstrate, it is undisputed that Schoff was fired because the bonding company refused to issue a bond. In addition, it is uncontroverted in the record that the bonding company refused to issue a bond because Schoff had two felony charges on his record and/or because he did not reveal his criminal record on his bond application. Thus, in order to estop Combined from firing him for these reasons, Schoff must establish a clear and definite promise by Combined that he would not be fired if he failed to qualify for a bond, or that he would be bonded despite his felony charges and/or failure to reveal his criminal record. It is helpful at this juncture to compare the reasons for Schoff's discharge with the alleged promises made by Combined. Although there are some minor discrepancies between Hageman's and Schoff's recollections of their conversations, the facts viewed most favorably to the plaintiff would support a finding that Hageman told Schoff that Schoff's criminal record would not affect his employment with Combined. In addition, the record would support a finding that Hageman told Schoff that only felony convictions were relevant to employment and bonding decisions. We turn now to whether these statements provide a basis to estop Combined from firing Schoff because he did not qualify for a fidelity bond. B. Meaning of terms. We start our analysis with a discussion of the meaning of the requirement that the plaintiff prove a clear and definite promise. A promise is [a] declaration ... to do or forbear a certain specific act. Black's Law Dictionary 1213 (6th ed.1990). A promise is clear when it is easily understood and is not ambiguous. See Webster's Third New International Dictionary 419 (unab. ed.1993). A promise is definite when the assertion is explicit and without any doubt or tentativeness. See id. at 592. C. Proof of a promise. Initially, we conclude that any statements made by Hageman that only felony convictions were important do not constitute an assertion that Combined would forbear a certain specific act, namely, discharging Schoff because of his felony charges and/or his failure to be bonded. These statements by Hageman more clearly fall within the common definition of a representation: a statement ... made to convey a particular view or impression of something with the intention of influencing opinion or action. Id. at 1926. Statements that only felony convictions are relevant to employment and bonding decisions are not the equivalent of a declaration that Combined would not fire Schoff because of his felony record. Hageman's statements merely conveyed his impression or understanding of a certain factthat only felony convictions were relevant; as a matter of law, these statements do not constitute a promise. See generally Merrifield v. Troutner, 269 N.W.2d 136, 137 (Iowa 1978) (distinguishing promissory estoppel, which requires a promise, from equitable estoppel, which is based on a misstatement of fact); 28 Am. Jur.2d Estoppel and Waiver § 48, at 658 (1966) (In order for the doctrine of promissory estoppel to come into effect there must, of course, be a promise on which reliance may be based.... (Emphasis added.)). Although this distinction may appear to be a technical one, it is of utmost importance. If we do not make a firm and clear distinction between a promise and a representation, discharged employees could simply characterize negligent misrepresentations as promises and thereby avoid our rule that employees may not recover for negligent misrepresentations made by an employer or potential employer. Consequently, we will not imply a promise from representations made by an employer, but will require strict proof that the defendant promised to do or not to do a specific act, and did not simply state the employer's view or impression of something. That brings us to the other statement made by Hagemanthat Schoff's criminal record would not be a problem. Although we have serious reservations whether this statement constitutes a promise, we need not resolve that issue because any such promise was not clear and definite, as we now discuss. D. Proof that the promise was clear and definite. Schoff does not claim that he and Hageman ever discussed the felony charges that were filed against Schoff. Indeed, the record is undisputed that Schoff never disclosed this aspect of his criminal record to Hageman. Consequently, any statement that Schoff's criminal record would not affect his employment is subject to some ambiguity in that the parties did not have the same knowledge with respect to the nature and extent of Schoff's criminal record. This ambiguity is crucial because Schoff was not fired because of his criminal record in general; he was fired because he could not be bonded. Similarly, he was not denied a bond due to his criminal record in general; rather he was not bonded because he had been charged with felonies and/or had not revealed his criminal record on his bond application. As a matter of law, any promises that Schoff's criminal record would not be a problem simply do not clearly and definitely encompass a promise that Schoff's felony charges would not be a problem or that his failure to be bonded would not be a problem. See Neely v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co., 930 F.Supp. 360, 373-75 (N.D.Iowa 1996) (holding, as a matter of law, that assurance by insurance agent that everything would be covered was not sufficiently clear and definite to constitute a promise by insurer that coverage would be provided for executive officers, directors and employees of insured); Wing v. Anchor Media, Ltd., 59 Ohio St.3d 108, 570 N.E.2d 1095, 1098-99 (1991) (holding that promise that employee would have an opportunity to purchase an equity interest in employer was not a promise of continued employment). Therefore, the statement upon which the plaintiff bases his claim does not meet the strict standard required for a clear and definite promise. E. Conclusion. We think the record before us fails to reveal sufficient evidence that Hageman made a clear and definite promise either that Schoff's felony charges and/or his failure to reveal them would not prevent him from being bonded, or that Schoff would not be discharged in the event he was not bonded. Consequently, Combined has shown that there is no genuine issue of material fact with respect to the first element of Schoff's promissory estoppel claim. Therefore, the district court properly granted summary judgment to Combined on Schoff's theory of promissory estoppel. [3]