Typically, the law courts could only enter judgments for payment of money to the plaintiff. Aggrieved persons seeking other relief, such as injunctions, accountings, rescission of documents, etc., would complain to the Chancellor about the injustice of the law courts and pray for relief. Courts of Equity were created to hear and determine disputes in which the Courts of Law could not grant the requested relief. Over the centuries, a body of law or jurisprudence developed which was time and again phrased in the form of maxims, some are commonly known among laymen. Equity suffers no right to be without a remedy.
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. 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.