Explain the evolution of the doctrine of equity, indicating its contribution to the legal system of your country.

      

Explain the evolution of the doctrine of equity, indicating its contribution to the legal
system of your country.

  

Answers


Maurice
Equity means fairness or justice. It is a branch of the law of England which was developed by
the various Lord Chancellors courts to supplement the common law. Equity developed to make
the common law a complete system of rules. Its evolution is traceable to the early petitions to
the King by persons dissatisfied with the common law system. Subsequently, the petitions were
heard by the Lord Chancellor but it was not until the beginning of the 16th century that the Lord
Chancellor?s started handing down decisions binding in law – “doctrines of equity.”
(i) Equity was developed by the Lord Chancellors courts on the basis of the principle of
fairness. Administration of justice was fast and the system was flexible. Equity developed
after the common law and acts inpersonam.

(ii) By reason of inconsistent decisions but Lord Chancellors equity adopted the doctrine of
stare decisis and developed the maxims of equity.

(iii) Equity's contribution to the Kenyan legal system is enormous: It is one of the principal
sources of law of Kenya.

(iv) The maxims of equity developed by the Lord Chancellors courts guide Kenyan courts.

(v) The additional remedies the courts evolved assist in the administration of justice.

(vi) The procedural mechanism of discovery of documents is applied in the administration of
justice.

(vii) The trust relationship, recognized by equity has a fairly wide application in Kenya.

(viii) The principles of equity of redemption and equitable right to redeem have wide application
in the law of mortgages and charges.
maurice.mutuku answered the question on April 26, 2018 at 13:36


Next: Cite instances when a person shall be lawfully deprived of personal liberty.
Previous: State the examples of unethical computer code of conducts

View More CPA Commercial Law Questions and Answers | Return to Questions Index


Exams With Marking Schemes

Related Questions