What does the term 'estoppel' refer to in legal theory?

The term 'estoppel' in legal theory refers to a legal barrier that prevents a person from asserting certain facts or claims that contradict their previous actions, statements, or legal positions. This concept is grounded in the principle of fairness and is designed to avoid inconsistency and protect the reliance of others on the established facts or behaviors.

For example, if a person has previously made a statement or taken a position that leads another party to believe in a certain outcome, they may be "estopped" from later denying that statement or position if it would harm the party who relied on it. This is particularly significant in land surveying and real estate, where representations about property can impact transactions and ownership rights.

The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of estoppel. While claims can arise from prior actions, estoppel specifically addresses the preventing of contradictory assertions rather than allowing new claims. Transferring ownership of property and freezing assets during litigation involve different legal concepts entirely and do not relate to the principle of estoppel.