Equity (law)

In the field of jurisprudence, equity is the particular body of law, developed in the English Court of Chancery,^[1] with the general purpose of providing legal remedies for cases wherein the common law is inflexible and cannot fairly resolve the disputed legal matter.^[2] Conceptually, equity was part of the historical origins of the system of common law of England,^[2] yet is a field of law separate from common law, because equity has its own unique rules and principles, and was administered by courts of equity.^[2]

Equity exists in domestic law, both in civil law and in common law systems, and in international law.^[1] The tradition of equity begins in antiquity with the writings of Aristotle (epieikeia) and with Roman law (aequitas).^[1][3] Later, in civil law systems, equity was integrated in the legal rules, while in common law systems it became an independent body of law.^[1]