Lord Dudley and Ward [1705]

Key Notes

In this case, Lord Chancellor Nathan Wright articulated a foundational principle of equity, stating that equity does not "destroy the law, nor create it, but assists it." This statement underscores the role of equity as a complementary system to common law, serving to improve and refine its application rather than to replace or conflict with it. Equity functions as an appendage to the common law, providing remedies and principles where the strict rules of the law might lead to injustice.

This case is often referenced to illustrate equity's harmonious and supplementary relationship with the common law system.