Legal Definitions - de aequitate

Definition: "De aequitate" is a Latin term that means "in equity." It refers to the principle of fairness and justice in legal proceedings. Example: A judge may use the principle of de aequitate to make a decision that is fair and just, even if it does not strictly follow the letter of the law. Explanation: The principle of de aequitate is often used in cases where the strict application of the law would lead to an unjust outcome. For example, if a person is facing eviction from their home due to a technicality in their lease agreement, a judge may use de aequitate to consider the person's circumstances and make a decision that is fair and just, rather than simply following the letter of the law.