The Three Certainties

Start with an overview

The Three Certainties is a section of Equity and Trusts in Law (general and introduction). The resources on this page give university students and teachers several ways to explore intention, subject matter and objects. Begin with the mind map titled The Three Certainties that branches into intention and words, subject matter, and objects or beneficiaries. Its prompts include whether words create a legal obligation and whether an expectancy is valid as subject matter.

Another mind map, Certainty - Knight v. Knight, also organizes the topic around intention, subject matter and objects. Compare its branches with the first map to see how each presents the topic.

Study intention in more detail

Once you have an overview, use Certainty of Intention Flashcards to practice with cases including Jones v Lock, Paul v Constance and Re Kayford. The flashcard deck The 3 Certainties also includes cases and points on intention and subject matter.

For another look at intention, open the mind map Paul v Constance 1976 Scarman LJ. It considers whether there was an express declaration of trust, with a focus on certainty of intention. You can compare that focus with the broader branches in an overview map.

Use maps and quizzes together

After studying a map and practicing with flashcards, try the quiz Equity&Trusts 3 Certainties. Use your attempt to guide another look at the maps and flashcards. You can also open The Three Certainties, Formalities & Constitution, a quiz whose title points to a wider set of topics.

These resources let you move between an overview of The Three Certainties and focused material within the Equity and Trusts unit. Choose a map and quiz to use together, and return to the flashcards for further practice.