Estoppel意思

"Estoppel" is a legal term that refers to a principle in common law which prevents a person from taking a position or asserting a right that is inconsistent with a previous position they have taken or a previous right they have asserted. In other words, estoppel serves to create a legal bar against changing one's position regarding certain facts or actions, especially if doing so would disadvantage another party who relied on the original position.

There are several types of estoppel, including:

  1. Promissory Estoppel: This occurs when a promise is made and the promisee relies on that promise to their detriment. The promisor is then estopped from going back on their promise.

  2. Equitable Estoppel: This is a broader form of estoppel that applies when it would be inequitable (unfair) for a party to go back on their word or conduct, regardless of whether a promise was made.

  3. Statutory Estoppel: This is a form of estoppel created by statute, where a law specifically states that certain actions or positions are irrevocable.

  4. Judicial Estoppel: This is a doctrine used by courts to prevent parties from making contradictory statements in different legal proceedings.

The purpose of estoppel is to maintain the integrity of legal proceedings, to protect reliance interests, and to prevent fraud or other misconduct. It is a powerful tool in the law because it can create a binding effect on parties, even if they would otherwise have the legal right to change their position.