Equitable remedies: overview

by Practical Law Dispute Resolution

A Practice note providing an overview of equitable remedies available under English law with links to other resources which provide more detailed guidance. This practice note explains the discretionary nature of these judicial remedies, which are typically awarded by the court when compensatory damages are not an adequate remedy. It outlines the foundational equitable maxims and doctrines that govern the court's jurisdiction, such as the doctrine of laches, and considers relevant limitation issues under the Limitation Act 1980 (LA 1980). This resource then provides a brief introduction to a wide range of specific remedies, including specific performance, injunctions, estoppel, equitable liens, and orders to account. It also covers the principles of an account of profits, equitable compensation, declaratory relief, rectification, rescission, tracing and following, subrogation, and marshalling, offering high-level guidance on the purpose and application of each.