In law, laches is the equitable analog to the statute of limitations and describes a defense of unfairness (when there is no other time limitation) that someone has waited too long before bringing a lawsuit. A successful defense of laches will find the court dismissing the request for equitable relief. However, the party may still have an action at law if the statute of limitations has not run.
... 50° N was ceded to Japan, the Russians retaining the other three-fifths of the area. In August 1945, Russia again took over the control of Sakhalin. Since January 2, 1947, ...