Equity

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Equity, in a legal context, refers to a system of jurisprudence that focuses on fairness and justice as opposed to strict adherence to the law. Courts of equity can order remedies that are not available in courts of law, such as specific performance or injunctions.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit in equity court seeking an injunction to prevent the demolition of a historic building.
While not a specific case, courts of equity have played a major role in legal history by providing more flexible remedies than courts of law.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between law and equity?

Courts of law typically focus on awarding damages as a remedy for legal wrongs, while courts of equity can order more flexible remedies such as injunctions or specific performance.

Does the court system still use separate courts of law and equity?

In many jurisdictions, the distinction between law and equity has been merged into a single court system. However, the principles of equity are still applied by judges when considering remedies for legal issues.

How does equity promote fairness in the legal system?

Equity allows judges to fashion creative solutions to problems that may not have an adequate remedy under the common law.

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