Final answer:
Laches and statutes of limitations were designed to protect the individual rights and interests of defendants, ensuring fairness in legal proceedings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Laches and statutes of limitations were designed to protect the individual rights and interests of defendants. Laches is an equitable defense that may be used in civil cases when a plaintiff has unreasonably delayed in pursuing a claim, causing prejudice to the defendant. Statutes of limitations, on the other hand, establish specific time limits within which a legal action must be filed, ensuring that there is a reasonable opportunity for the defendant to gather evidence and mount a defense.