Equitable Remedies

Plain English

Equitable remedies are non-monetary fixes a court can order when money damages alone won't make things right. Instead of paying you cash, a court might order someone to stop doing something (an injunction), to actually perform what they promised (specific performance), or to undo a transaction. These remedies come from equity courts, which historically focused on fairness rather than strict legal rules. You typically need equitable relief when the harm is unique or irreplaceable—like stopping someone from selling a one-of-a-kind piece of art you have a right to.

Example

A former employee threatens to open a competing business in violation of a non-compete clause. Money damages won't prevent the harm, so you ask the court for an injunction to stop her from competing. The court grants it, ordering her to refrain from the competing business.

Used in a sentence

“The plaintiff sought equitable remedies including specific performance and an injunction rather than settling for monetary damages.”

Related terms