Opinion ID: 503511
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The District's Defenses

Text: 27 The district court ruled that laches did not bar the Veterans' claims. 5 Whether to apply laches is left to a court's discretion and is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. See Coalition for Canyon Preservation v. Bowers, 632 F.2d 774, 779 (9th Cir.1980). 28 The doctrine of laches requires the defendant to establish that it has (1) been prejudiced by (2) inexcusable neglect of the plaintiff. Barona Group of Captain Grande Band of Mission Indians v. American Management & Amusement, Inc., 824 F.2d 710, 723 (9th Cir.1987). 29 The District argues that the veterans' inexcusable neglect caused it to be prejudiced by loss of evidence, fading recollection of some witnesses, and lack of budgeted funds to pay the claims. The district court concluded that the District failed to show sufficient prejudice because of inexcusable neglect. We find no basis in the record for disturbing that conclusion. The District has not established an abuse of the court's discretion in exercising its equitable powers. 30 The district court concluded also that the veterans' claims were not barred by waiver after finding a lack of documentary evidence indicating that they had waived their claims because of the 1977 grievance settlement. The factual findings required to invoke this defense are reviewed for clear error. Cf. United States v. Doe, 819 F.2d 206, 209 (9th Cir.1986) (waiver of Miranda rights). Nothing in the record establishes that the court's finding was clearly erroneous. 6