Ong on Estoppel

Overview of "Ong on Estoppel" by Denis SK Ong

Author and Background

• Author: Denis SK Ong, a prolific professor known for his contributions to equity law.
• Publication: The book is one of the few scholarly, book-length treatments of the doctrine of estoppel published in Australia.

Key Themes and Topics

• Estoppel’s Origins: The book examines the historical development of the doctrine of estoppel as a rule of evidence.
• Estoppel by Conduct: It delves into estoppel by conduct, including representations made by parties.
• Estoppel by Deed and Convention: The book covers estoppel by deed and estoppel by convention.
• Promissory and Proprietary Estoppel: It discusses promissory and proprietary estoppel, with a particular focus on the relationship between these two concepts.
• Estoppel and Election: The author explores the intersection of estoppel with the concept of election.
• Estoppel Between Banker and Customer: The book addresses specific scenarios involving estoppel between bankers and customers.
• Representation vs. Change of Position: It contrasts estoppel by representation with the defence of change of position.

Critical Reception and Importance

• Essential Reference: The book is considered an essential reference for commercial lawyers, barristers, academics, and the judiciary due to its meticulous examination of both Australian and English authorities.
• Single Overarching Doctrine: The author argues that proprietary estoppel is merely a sub-species of promissory estoppel, suggesting a single overarching doctrine of estoppel in Australia.
• Comprehensive Treatment: The book provides a comprehensive treatment of various aspects of estoppel, making it a valuable resource for those dealing with equity law.

Publication Details

• Editions: While specific editions are not mentioned, the book is part of a series of major treatises by Professor Ong, including works like "Trusts Law in Australia" and "Ong on Equity".
• Publisher: The book is published by The Federation Press.

Availability

• The book is available through various sources, including the National Library of Australia, University of Technology Sydney, and legal art galleries like Joshua Legal Art Gallery[1][2][5].

In summary, "Ong on Estoppel" by Denis SK Ong is a seminal work in the field of equity law, offering a detailed and scholarly examination of the doctrine of estoppel. Its comprehensive coverage and meticulous analysis make it a crucial resource for legal professionals and academics.