Which legal principle helps prevent claims based on previously accepted actions?

Estoppel is a legal principle that helps prevent individuals from claiming rights or making assertions that contradict previous behavior or accepted actions. This principle applies when one party has acted in a certain way, and another party has relied on that behavior to their detriment. For example, if a landowner allows someone to use a portion of their property without objection for a certain period, and then later tries to prevent that use, the principle of estoppel can bar the landowner from making that claim because the other party relied on the landowner's initial acceptance of the use.

In the context of land surveying and property law, estoppel can be crucial in resolving disputes over land use and rights. It reinforces the importance of consistency in behavior and helps maintain fairness by protecting parties who may have acted on the assumption that certain previous actions would continue to be accepted.

The other choices represent different legal concepts. Acquiescence involves tacitly accepting a situation without objection, but it doesn't inherently prevent claims based on prior actions once a change occurs. Dedication refers to the process of making land available for public use, such as streets or parks, and is not directly tied to the prevention of claims based on previous actions. Adverse possession allows a party to claim ownership