Contract Law · defense
Estoppel is a legal doctrine that prohibits a person from asserting a claim or fact that contradicts what they have previously established as true, particularly when others have relied on that truth. It serves to uphold fairness and prevent injustice in legal proceedings.
The party against whom estoppel is claimed must have made a representation of fact to the other party.
What to prove: It must be shown that a clear, unequivocal statement of fact was made by the representor.
The party claiming estoppel must have relied on the representation made.
What to prove: Evidence must demonstrate that reliance was reasonable and justified, leading the relying party to take certain actions.
There must be a detriment or harm suffered by the relying party as a result of their reliance on the representation.
What to prove: It must be shown that the reliance caused the party to suffer a loss or disadvantage.
The party asserting estoppel bears the burden of proof, and the standard of proof is typically a preponderance of the evidence.
Estoppel is often tested in terms of fact patterns that illustrate reliance and detriment, requiring students to analyze representations made by parties.