Estoppel

Abstract

Estoppel is the general legal term for the doctrines whose basic effect is to hold a person to his or her word. If one of these doctrines applies, then a person is prevented ("estopped") from resiling from what he or she has said. Both the common law and equity recognised estoppel to different degrees and in somewhat different contexts.

Estoppel is understood at a basic level by many lawyers, but this set of legal doctrines is highly complex and filled with such confusing terminology, such that it poses a challenge for both practitioners and scholars alike. This is the first Canadian text book that clarifies the subject matter from a Canadian legal standpoint, and deals with its complexity and subtleties in a manner that’s easily understood. Written by a University of British Columbia law professor, this book pulls together various aspects of estoppel into one place, saving readers valuable research time, while educating them on the rules and principles of estoppel in a clear and organised manner.

Keywords: Estoppel, Equitable doctrine, Election and Waiver