Doctrine of Laches

Definition

The legal principle that you can't wait too long to assert a right without losing it. Essentially, 'too bad you procrastinated.'

Example Usage

The defendant raised the doctrine of laches, arguing the plaintiff waited too long to file the lawsuit.

Origin

From Old French 'laisse' meaning 'negligence'

Fun Fact

Laches is an equitable defense, meaning it's up to the judge's discretion whether to apply it.

Source: Restatement (Third) of Restitution

Related Terms

Intermediate

Venue

The location where a trial takes place, which lawyers argue about almost as much as the actual case because apparently where you lose matters. The legal equivalent of fighting over which restaurant to go to.

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severability clause

A contract provision stating that if one part is found illegal or unenforceable, the rest of the agreement survives. It's like saying 'if you cut off one of the hydra's heads, the other heads keep biting.'

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disclosure

The act of revealing previously confidential information, whether legally required or strategically chosen. In corporate and legal contexts, disclosure rules govern what must be shared with investors, regulators, or opposing counsel. It's transparency, but only after lawyers have thoroughly reviewed what transparency actually means.

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Advanced

cy pres

A doctrine that redirects funds from a settlement when individual payments would be impractical, usually sending unclaimed money to charities 'as near as possible' to the original purpose. Your $1.47 from a class action becomes a donation.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

material breach

A contract violation so significant it essentially destroys the entire agreement, not just a minor hiccup. It's the difference between being five minutes late to a meeting and not showing up for six months.

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Intermediate

embezzlement

The white-collar crime where trusted employees prove they can't be trusted by helping themselves to company funds. It's theft with extra steps and a fancier vocabulary, typically involving someone with financial access who decides their employer's money would look better in their own account. Unlike robbery, embezzlement requires both access and the audacity to pretend it's totally normal to redirect corporate funds to your offshore vacation fund.

⚖️ Legal

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