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.

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.