Webb v. McGowin

168 So. 199 · Supreme Court of Alabama · 1936

Facts

The Supreme Court denied a petition for certiorari to the Court of Appeals but chose to clarify its agreement with the lower court's reasoning on a novel legal question. The case involved the recognition and compensation of moral obligations, a topic not previously addressed in detail by these courts.

Issue

Can a moral obligation be recognized and compensated, and what criteria distinguish a compensable moral obligation from a mere ethical duty? Specifically, does a material and substantial benefit to the promisor, or injury to the promisee, make a moral obligation compensable?

Holding

The Supreme Court agreed with the Court of Appeals that a moral obligation is compensable if it arises from a material and substantial benefit to the promisor, especially when coupled with injury to the promisee.

Rule

A moral obligation can be recognized and compensated if it is based on a material and substantial benefit received by the promisor, rather than merely a refined sense of ethical duty. This principle is further emphasized when the compensation also addresses injuries to the promisee.

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Case brief last reviewed 2026-04-18. Prepared by CaseReader from the published opinion.