Final answer:
A promise to refrain from underage drinking in exchange for $10,000 may not be enforceable if the recipient is a child. However, the doctrine of promissory estoppel may be applied if the promisee can demonstrate reliance and detriment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A promise to refrain from underage drinking in exchange for $10,000 may not be enforceable if the recipient is a child. In general, a contract requires consideration (something of value exchanged between parties) for it to be enforceable. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as the doctrine of promissory estoppel. Promissory estoppel allows a promise to be enforced, even without consideration, if certain elements are met. One of those elements is reliance, where the promisee has justifiably relied on the promise and suffered a detriment as a result.
In this case, if a child promises to refrain from underage drinking in exchange for $10,000, it may not be enforceable as the consideration (refraining from drinking) is illegal due to the child's age. However, if the promisee (the person offering the money) can demonstrate that they relied on the promise and suffered a detriment, such as giving up something of value, a court may apply the doctrine of promissory estoppel to enforce the promise.