What legal doctrine prevents a party from denying certain rights if others have relied on them?

The legal doctrine that prevents a party from denying certain rights if others have relied on them is known as estoppel. This principle is significant in legal contexts, as it promotes fairness and prevents an individual or entity from taking a position that contradicts or undermines a previous representation or action that another party has relied upon to their detriment. Estoppel ensures that if someone has acted based on the assumption of a certain fact or legal stance, the original party cannot later change that stance and cause harm or disadvantage to the relying party.

For example, in situations where one party has made an assurance or representation that another party has acted upon—such as in contracts or property agreements—estoppel can be invoked to uphold the reliance and maintain equitable outcomes in legal proceedings. This doctrine is critical in upholding trust and stability in legal agreements and relationships, emphasizing the importance of consistency in one’s representations and conduct.