Literal Meaning – Equity follows the law.
It is a concept that equity or the law will not aid a person or party who is at fault. The law will not aid a person whose own fault is what made the legal action necessary. It is interpreted as to law is about what is fair and equitable
“Aequitas sequitur legem” is a Latin maxim that means “equity follows the law.” This principle is an important aspect of the legal system, particularly in common law jurisdictions such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
The principle of “Aequitas sequitur legem” means that decisions in legal disputes should be made based on the law, rather than on the principles of fairness or justice alone. However, it also suggests that equity should be considered when applying the law, particularly when the law itself does not provide a clear or just solution.
In other words, the principle of “Aequitas sequitur legem” acknowledges that the law may not always be able to provide a just or equitable outcome in every case. In these situations, the court or the legal system should take into account the principles of fairness and equity, while still following the law.
Overall, the principle of “Aequitas sequitur legem” emphasizes the importance of both the law and equity in the legal system, and it helps to ensure that legal decisions are made in a way that is both just and consistent with legal principles.
