Stell v. First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co.

Defendants contend the nonsuit should be sustained upon two grounds: (1) laches on the part of the plaintiffs, and (2) a valid tax deed to the defendants’ intestate.

1. Laches on the part of claimants is recognized by courts of equity, in proper cases, as an available defense against stale claims. It is generally defined to mean negligent omission for an unreasonable time to assert a right enforceable in equity. 30 C. J. S., 520; 19 Am. Jur., 338; Black’s Law Dictionary. “Laches is such delay in enforcing one’s rights as works disadvantage to another.” 30 C. J. S., 520. It may be invoked as a…