Of things equal, the reason is the same, and the same is the law.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Where things are truly equal in their essential character, the same reason and the same law govern both — parity of reason demands parity of treatment.

Where this applies

• Two neighboring property owners both had their land taken by eminent domain under identical circumstances — parity of reason demands they receive equal compensation.
• A court rules that two defendants charged with the same crime under the same facts must be treated the same way at sentencing — equal things, equal law.
• Two employees with identical job duties and performance records are laid off, but one gets severance and the other doesn't — the one denied severance argues that equal situations demand equal treatment.