What is the doctrine of laches?

The doctrine of laches is a legal principle originating in Maryland that states that if a person delays too long in asserting a right, a court may determine that the person has forfeited that right. In the context of civil procedure, this may mean that a person or business cannot bring a lawsuit against another person or business because they waited too long to file the lawsuit. For example, if a person is involved in a legal dispute with another person, but waits several years before filing a lawsuit, then the court may decide that the person has waited too long and they cannot bring the lawsuit. This is because the other person has already assumed that the issue has been settled and they may have already taken action or formed plans based on this assumption. If the lawsuit was brought too late, the doctrine of laches may be used by the other person to have the case dismissed. In Maryland, the doctrine of laches is a valid defense in civil suits, so a party can use it to prevent a lawsuit from going forward if the person bringing the lawsuit waited too long to do so. It is important for people involved in civil suits to understand the doctrine of laches so that they can ensure they have not waited too long to take action. By understanding how the doctrine of laches works in civil procedure in Maryland, people can better protect their rights.

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What is the doctrine of laches?

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