Opinion ID: 1918814
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Whether the Chancellor Erred in Rejecting Powell's Equitable Estoppel Argument.

Text: ¶ 11. The chancellor correctly found that no written contract for the sale of land had come into existence as required by the statute of frauds, and Powell argues that the chancellor erred in refusing to use equitable estoppel to enforce his oral agreement with Campbell. See Reid v. Horne, 187 So.2d 316, 318 (Miss.1966). Powell asserts that he relied on Campbell's promise to sell her land and spent money in reliance on that promise. Powell argues that, based on his detrimental reliance, Campbell should be estopped from denying that a binding agreement was formed. ¶ 12. The doctrine of equitable estoppel may be used to enforce an oral contract which would otherwise be unenforceable under the statute of frauds. Koval v. Koval, 576 So.2d 134, 137 (Miss. 1991); Sanders v. Dantzler, 375 So.2d 774, 776 (Miss.1979). However, estoppel should only be used in exceptional circumstances and must be based on public policy, fair dealing, good faith, and reasonableness. PMZ Oil Co. v. Lucroy, 449 So.2d 201, 206 (Miss.1984). See also McLearn v. Hill, 276 Mass. 519, 177 N.E. 617, 619 (1931); Koval, 576 So.2d at 137; Sanders, 375 So.2d at 776-77. ¶ 13. Knowing that Campbell was anxious to sell her property and in immediate need of the proceeds from the sale, Powell unreasonably failed to give Campbell a down payment to secure his right to purchase the property. After eight months, Powell still had not provided Campbell with a written contract or any earnest money and had allowed inaccurate survey lines and incomplete title work to further complicate the agreement to sell Campbell's property. While Powell did take financially detrimental steps in reliance on Campbell's promise, he simply has not shown that, in light of his actions, estoppel would be the most fair and reasonable remedy or that injustice can only be avoided by enforcement of Campbell's promise. See PMZ Oil Co., 449 So.2d at 206; Sanders, 375 So.2d at 776. We find that the chancellor did not err in refusing to apply equitable estoppel in this case or in denying Powell's request for reliance damages.