Also known as: principle of equity · equitable principles · equity principles
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A set of judicial standards derived from equity jurisprudence that guide courts in granting relief when legal remedies prove inadequate or when fairness requires flexibility beyond strict legal rules. Courts apply these standards to prevent unjust enrichment, correct defective exercises of powers, trace commingled assets, and balance hardships in granting or withholding injunctive or specific relief.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Philip Powell, holding a power of appointment over trust assets, attempted to appoint to his niece Penelope Price in a document that omitted one formal signature required by the donor. The court applied equitable principles because the appointment substantially complied with the donor's manner and Penelope was a natural object of Philip's affection, rendering the appointment effective despite the formal defect.
Pioneer Energy held a security interest in equipment sold by the debtor. Sale proceeds were deposited into an account containing other funds. The secured party identified the proceeds through equitable tracing methods permitted for commingled property under non-UCC law, allowing the security interest to attach to the identifiable portion.
Pulse Media obtained a patent verdict against Precision Tools but sought a permanent injunction. The court applied equitable principles and denied relief after finding no irreparable injury, adequate monetary remedies, and that the balance of hardships and public interest weighed against an injunction.
Home Building & Loan Association sought to foreclose on Perry Pratt's farm during the Depression. The court applied equitable principles to uphold a temporary statutory extension of the redemption period, protecting the mortgagor's interest while preserving the mortgagee's ultimate security.
Reste Realty Corp. leased space to Patrick Phan. After flooding rendered the premises unusable, the court applied equitable principles to excuse performance and award damages, treating the lease as constructively terminated despite strict contractual language.
Pearl Porter and Pablo Perez lived together for years without marriage. After separation, the court applied equitable principles to impose a constructive trust and divide accumulated assets based on their implied agreement and contributions, preventing unjust enrichment.
A court will apply equitable principles when the appointment substantially complies with the donor's prescribed manner and the appointee is a natural object of the donee's affection, a creditor, a charity, or another person favored under equity.
Equitable tracing methods permitted under other law may be used to identify non-goods proceeds that have been commingled, allowing a security interest to continue in the traceable portion.
…(1937) 9 Cal.2d 95, 100-102 [69 P.2d 845, 111 A.L.R. 342].)[^maj-14] Finally, decisions affirmed the power of a court to employ equitable principles to achieve a fair division of property acquired during putative marriage. ( Coats v. Coats (1911) 160 Cal. 671, 677-678 [118 P. 441]; Caldwell v. Odisio (1956) 142 Cal. App.2d 732,…
…has not found a technical solution a court would be hard put to close down this one cement plant if due regard be given to
…certiorari to determine the appropriateness of this general rule, 546 U.S. 1029 (2005). II According to well-established principles of equity, a plaintiff seeking a permanent injunction must satisfy a four-factor test before a court may grant such relief. A plaintiff must demonstrate: (1) that it has suffered an irreparable…
…the mortgagor had an equity
…U. S. C. § 1064(c). The Lanham Act, as the dissent notes, post , at 217, authorizes courts to grant injunctions "according to principles of equity
The plaintiff must show irreparable injury, inadequacy of legal remedies, that the balance of hardships favors equitable relief, and that the public interest would not be disserved.
Yes, courts may temporarily adjust mortgage redemption periods or similar obligations when equity supports protecting both mortgagors and mortgagees from widespread economic ruin.
Yes, courts may impose constructive trusts or other equitable remedies based on implied agreements and contributions to prevent unjust enrichment when the relationship ends.