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Estoppel for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: ɛ'stɑpəl

What does Estoppel really mean?

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Hey there! So, "estoppel" is a legal term that basically means you're prevented from saying something or taking action because you said or did something earlier that goes against it. It's like when you promise someone you won't sue them, and then you turn around and try to sue them anyway. The court might say you're estopped from suing because you made that promise.

It's also kind of like when you tell your friend they can't borrow your bike, but then you see them riding their own bike, and you're like, "Wait a minute, you have a bike!" You're estopped from saying they can't borrow yours because you contradicted yourself.

So, "estoppel" is like a rule that says you can't change your mind or go back on your word if it's not fair to someone else. It's all about being consistent and trustworthy. And in the legal world, it's a way to make sure people keep their promises and stick to their word.

I hope that helps explain it! Let me know if you have any more questions about it.

Revised and Fact checked by Steven Jackson on 2023-12-23 01:23:08

Estoppel In a sentece

Learn how to use Estoppel inside a sentece

  • If a person promises not to take legal action against someone, but then tries to sue that person, they might be stopped from doing so by the principle of estoppel.
  • When a landlord promises not to raise the rent for a year, the tenant might rely on that promise and choose not to move. The landlord would then be estopped from raising the rent during that year.
  • If a company leads a customer to believe that a product has certain features, but then fails to deliver on those features, the customer might be able to use estoppel to prevent the company from denying those features.
  • If a person acts in a way that implies they agree to a certain arrangement, but then later tries to deny that agreement, they might be estopped from doing so.
  • If a parent promises a child they can have a toy if they behave well, and the child behaves well but the parent then refuses to give the toy, the parent might be estopped from denying the promise.

Estoppel Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.