Equity Aids The Vigilant, Not Those Who Slumber On Their Rights
Vigilantibus non dormientibus aequitas subvenit.
A person who has been wronged must act relatively swiftly to preserve their rights. Otherwise, they are guilty of laches, an untoward delay in litigation with the presumed intent of denying claims. This differs from a statute of limitations, in that a delay is particularized to individual situations, rather than a general prescribed legal amount of time. In addition, even where a limitation period has not yet run, laches may still occur. The equitable rule of laches and acquiescence was first introduced in Chief Young Dede v. African Association Ltd. (1910) 1 N.L.R 130 at 133.
Alternatives:
- Delay defeats equity
- Equity aids the vigilant, not those who sleep on their rights
Read more about this topic: Maxims Of Equity
Famous quotes containing the words equity, aids, slumber and/or rights:
“If equity and human natural reason were allowed there would be no law, there would be no lawyers.”
—Christina Stead (1902–1983)
“Sometimes I have a terrible feeling that I am dying not from the virus, but from being untouchable.”
—Amanda Heggs, British AIDS sufferer. Quoted in Guardian (London, June 12, 1989)
“‘Tis the voice of the Sluggard; I heard him complain,
“You have wak’d me too soon; I must slumber again.””
—Isaac Watts (1674–1748)
“... the structure of our public morality crashed to earth. Above its grave a tombstone read, “Be tolerant—even of evil.” Logically the next step would be to say to our commonwealth’s criminals, “I disagree that it’s all right to rob and murder, but naturally I respect your opinion.” Tolerance is only complacence when it makes no distinction between right and wrong.”
—Sarah Patton Boyle, U.S. civil rights activist and author. The Desegregated Heart, part 2, ch. 2 (1962)