Origin Long-standing English equity doctrine; formulated by the US Supreme Court in Costello v. United States (1961).
Laches is an equitable defense in common law legal systems under which a claim for relief, particularly an equitable remedy such as an injunction, may be barred because the plaintiff unreasonably delayed in bringing it and that delay prejudiced the party asserting the defense. The term derives from Old French lachesse, meaning remissness or dilatoriness, and the doctrine reflects the maxim that equity aids the vigilant, not those who sleep on their rights; the United States Supreme Court in Costello v. United States (1961) described it as a lack of diligence by the party against whom the defense is asserted combined with prejudice to the party asserting it.
Facts
Origin PeriodLong-standing English equity doctrine; formulated by the US Supreme Court in Costello v. United States (1961). 1 Core PrincipleA party who unreasonably delays in asserting a right, to the prejudice of the party against whom relief is sought, may be barred from obtaining that relief, particularly an equitable remedy. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Sources
1. Laches (Equity) (Wikipedia)
WikipediaDefinition section, quoting Costello v. United States (1961)Quote, Definition section, quoting Costello v. United States (1961)
Lack of diligence by the party against whom the defense is asserted combined with prejudice to the party asserting the defense.
1. Laches (Equity) (Wikipedia)
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