Equity is a certain perfect reason which interprets and amends the written law, comprehended in no writing, but consisting in right reason alone.

Explanation

Equity operates through reason to correct what the written law, by its generality, gets wrong in a particular case — it is the conscience of the law.

Where this applies

• A strict reading of a statute produces an unjust result in a specific case.
• The written law does not account for unusual circumstances, and someone seeks fairness.

See also

• 1.4.3 Equity is the correction of the law where, by reason of its generality, it is deficient.
• 1.5.20 Reason is the soul of law; when the reason of the law changes, the law itself changes.