Which legal principle prohibits a guilty party from asserting that a certain fact does not exist after creating a false impression?

The legal principle that prohibits a guilty party from asserting that a certain fact does not exist after creating a false impression is known as estoppel. This doctrine is particularly important in preventing a party from taking a position that is contrary to their previous actions or statements, especially when those actions or statements have led another party to make decisions based on that false impression.

Estoppel ensures fairness in dealings, as it holds individuals accountable for their representations. For example, if a person intentionally misleads another party about a material fact and the latter relies on that misinformation, the party that created the false impression cannot later deny the validity of that fact. This principle is designed to protect the integrity of transactions and maintain trust in contractual relationships.

In contrast, the other concepts listed such as fraud, warranty, and waiver have distinct meanings and applications. Fraud specifically involves deceit intended for personal gain, while warranty relates to promises regarding the quality or condition of goods. Waiver refers to the voluntary relinquishment of a known right. While these terms are relevant in legal contexts, estoppel is the specific principle that directly addresses the scenario of maintaining a position based on prior misleading actions.