Legal Definitions - dismissed for want of equity

Dismissed for want of equity refers to a situation where a court ends a lawsuit because the person bringing the case (the plaintiff) has failed to present a legally sound or factually supported reason for the court to intervene. This can happen if the plaintiff's initial written complaint does not describe a valid legal claim, even if all the facts alleged were true, or if, after some investigation, the plaintiff's factual assertions are found to be untrue or insufficient to justify the requested legal action. In essence, the court determines there is no fair or just basis for it to grant the relief sought by the plaintiff.

• Example 1: Insufficient Legal Claim

  Sarah sues her landlord, claiming the landlord's new policy of charging for guest parking is "unfair" and causes her "emotional distress." She asks the court to order the landlord to stop charging for guest parking.

  This case might be "dismissed for want of equity" because, even if Sarah genuinely feels the policy is unfair and causes distress, her complaint likely does not present a legally recognized basis for her claim. Unless there is a specific law or clause in her lease agreement that prohibits the landlord from charging for guest parking, the court would determine that Sarah has not presented a valid legal right that has been violated, even if her feelings are sincere.

• Example 2: Factual Allegations Untrue or Unsubstantiated

  A small business owner, Mr. Henderson, sues a former employee, Ms. Davis, alleging she stole confidential client lists and used them to start her own competing business. However, during the initial stages of the lawsuit, it becomes clear that Mr. Henderson has no evidence to support his claim – he cannot produce any proof that Ms. Davis accessed or took the lists, nor can he show she used them.

  The court might "dismiss for want of equity" because Mr. Henderson's central factual allegations (theft and use of client lists) are unsubstantiated. Without any factual basis to prove the alleged wrongdoing, there is no fair reason for the court to proceed with the case or grant him any damages or injunctions.

• Example 3: Claim Lacks a Remedy the Court Can Provide

  A group of citizens sues their city council, asking the court to order the council members to be "nicer" to each other during public meetings, claiming their contentious behavior is detrimental to civic discourse.

  While the citizens might genuinely believe the council's behavior is problematic, a court typically cannot issue an order compelling individuals to be "nicer." There's no legal standard for "niceness" that a court can enforce, and such a request falls outside the scope of remedies courts can practically or legally provide. Therefore, the case would likely be "dismissed for want of equity" because the plaintiff's request does not present a claim for which the court can offer a practical or legally recognized remedy.