Laches

Laches is a legal doctrine that sometimes bars relief when a plaintiff has an unjustified delay in asserting his claim.

For example, in School Union No. 37 v. Ms. C. (1st Cir. 2008), a case arising from Maine, the court dismissed an action by a parent and student based on laches because they did not seek reimbursement for school room, board and transportation expenses until after the student had completed high school. The court found the delay to be unreasonable and that it prejudiced the school because it would then have a more difficult time explaining its role and the student's needs for special education.