Is the doctrine of estoppel sound in theory and practice?

Abstract

The thesis discusses the issue of whether the doctrine of proprietary estoppel is sound in theory and practice. It considers whether the doctrine is achieving its purpose as originally conceived in the courts of Equity and whether any challenges or controversies in its application and operation by the courts deter its purpose. The study unfolds in the context of its historical and contemporary development, its application and operation by the courts and also by comparison to similar equitable doctrines. It focuses on the case law analysis of proprietary estoppel and provides recommendations to address the controversies that beset the doctrine.