Earle v. Angell
157
Facts: Dewitt promised her nephew, Earle, $500 in return for
attending her funeral. Earle did attend
and sued her estate for the $500. The
jury found that a promise was given for a promise.
Issue: Was a promise given for a promise?
Rule: “[A] contract to pay money after one’s own death is
valid.”
Analysis: The court says that there is no legal difficulty in
enforcing the contract.
Conclusion: The court upheld the trial court’s verdict for the
plaintiff.