Natural Equity Maxims

There are certain great underlying principles, often called Maxims, which are the fruitful sources of a vast number of particular rules concerning both rights and remedies. They lie at the foundation of universal justice; and are sources of municipal law; and have been worthily and aptly called "legum leges"-the Laws of Laws. These Maxims are in the strictest since the principia, the beginnings, out of which has been developed the entire system of Equity Jurisprudence, by process of natural evolution. The student who has made these principles a part of his/ her mental habit, who has, as it were, incorporated them into their very intellectual being, has already mastered the essence of Equity; and has made the acquisition of its particular rules an easy task-"1 Pom".

Enabling Maxims

1.Equity will not suffer a right to be without a remedy (Ubi jus ibi remedium)
2. Equity operates upon the Person (in personam)

3. Equity acts specifically
4. Equity regards that as done which ought to be done
5. Equity imputes an intention to fulfil an obligation

6. Equity looks to intent (substance) rather than form

7. Equity prevents multiplicity (of suits)

8. Equality is Equity

Restrictive Maxims

1. Equity aids the vigilant, not those who slumber on their rights
2. Who seeks equity must do equity
3. Who seeks equity must come with clean hands
4. Where there are equal Equities, the first in time shall prevail
5. Between equal equities, law prevails
6. Equity follows the law