What does "laches" refer to in legal terms?

Laches is a legal doctrine that bars a party from pursuing a claim if they have delayed in asserting their rights, and that delay has prejudiced the opposing party. This principle is rooted in the idea that justice is best served when claims are made in a timely manner. If a plaintiff sits on their rights for too long, allowing the situation to change or the opposing party's position to deteriorate, they may lose the ability to pursue their claim through laches.

This doctrine is often applied in equity cases rather than in strict legal claims and serves to promote fairness by preventing situations where individuals are taken by surprise or disadvantaged due to another's inaction over time. In this context, the correct answer reflects the essence of laches as a defense mechanism based on the tardiness of filing claims, ultimately aimed at ensuring that parties are diligent in protecting their rights.