State ex rel. Case v. Industrial Commission

Our first query is whether the court of appeals erred in holding that laches bars appellant’s action in mandamus. The doctrine of laches is based upon the maxim vigilantibus non dormientibus jura subve-niunt (the laws aid the vigilant, and not those who slumber on their rights). In our unanimous opinion in Connin v. Bailey (1984), 15 Ohio St. 3d 34, 35, we set forth the applicable law as follows:

“ ‘Laches is an omission to assert a right for an unreasonable and unexplained length of time, under circumstances prejudicial to the adverse party. It signifies delay independent of limitations in…