Estoppel

Estoppel is a judicial device whereby a court may prevent or "estop" a person from making assertions or from going back on their word. The person barred from doing so is said to be "estopped". Estoppel may prevent someone from bringing a particular claim. In common law legal systems, the legal doctrine of estoppel is based in both common law and equity. Promissory and proprietary estoppel are specific forms of estoppel reflecting distinct legal traditions within various jurisdictions. Estoppel is also a concept in international law.

law term