Which legal term could refer to an equitable defense based on the delay in bringing a claim?

Laches is a legal term that describes an equitable defense applicable in civil lawsuits, which asserts that a party's unreasonable delay in pursuing a right or claim can bar them from obtaining relief. This principle is rooted in the idea that equity does not favor those who have been negligent in asserting their rights and that prolonged inaction can disadvantage others who are entitled to reliability and finality in legal matters.

In the context of title insurance and property claims, laches can be particularly pertinent when a claimant waits too long to assert their rights, potentially leading to difficulties for the other parties involved, such as lost evidence or the ability to adequately defend against the claim. Essentially, laches encourages timely action and serves to prevent parties from sitting on their rights to the detriment of others, which is a fundamental aspect of equitable legal remedies.

The other terms—usufruct, corporeal, and incorporeal—do not relate to the concept of delay in bringing a claim. Usufruct involves the right to use and enjoy another's property while leaving it intact, whereas corporeal and incorporeal pertain to physical versus non-physical properties, respectively. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why laches is the appropriate answer in the context of equitable