Equitable Maxims

General guiding rules governing how equity operates, without being a binding rule.

Equity follows the law.

Equity regards as done that which ought to be done.

Equity acts in personam.

Equity acts in personam.

Equity will not suffer a wrong without a remedy.

He who seeks equity must do equity.

Equality is equity.

Equity will not permit a statute to be used as an instrument of fraud.

Equity looks to the substance rather than the form.

Equity imputes an intention to fulfil an obligation.

Delay defeats equity.

He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

Where the equities are equal, the law prevails.

Where the equities are equal, the first in time shall prevail.

Equity will not assist a volunteer.

Equity will not perfect an imperfect gift.