estoppel
eh-STOP-uhl
Definition
A legal principle that prevents a person from asserting a fact or a right that contradicts what they have previously said or done, especially if it misleads another party.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French word 'estouper,' meaning to stop up or plug. It entered Middle English as 'estoppel,' referring to a legal bar that prevents someone from alleging or denying a fact due to their own previous conduct.
In the news
In this case, the plaintiffs argue that the county should be barred from enforcing a signature deadline because the county's previous misleading actions induced the plaintiffs to rely on a different, later date. The judge is weighing whether this doctrine can be applied to the county's administrative error.
Butte-Silver Bow data center initiative controversy heard in District Court
Read the full article ↗NBC Montana