Laches

Laches, in English law, is a word used (from Fr. lâcher, 'to loosen') to denote negligence or undue delay, such as to disentitle a party to a particular remedy, or to relief. According to the common law this principle has no application as regards the crown; but various statutes, chiefly the so-called Nullum Tempus Act (9 Geo. III. chap. 16), have restricted the rights in this respect.