The maxims of equity evolved, in Latin and eventually translated into English, as the principles applied by courts of equity in deciding cases before them.

Among the traditional maxims are:

• Equity looks upon that as done which ought to have been done.
• Equity suffers not a right without a remedy.
• Equality is equity.
• Equity regards substance rather than form.
• Where the equities are equal, the first in time will prevail.
• Where equities are equal, the law will prevail.
• Equity follows the law.
• He who seeks equity must do equity.
• He who seeks equity must have clean hands.
• Equity aids the vigilant, not those who sleep on their rights.
• Delay defeats equity.
• Equity will not concern itself with abstract wrongs.
• Equity abhors a forfeiture.
• Equity does not require an idle gesture.
• Equity will not permit a party to profit by his own wrong.
• Equity delights to do justice, and not by halves.
• Equity will take jurisdiction to avoid a multiplicity of suits.

In modern times, law students have summed up the meaning of the maxims as:

• Equity taketh no shit.

See also: brocard