The fusion of equity and common law refers to the historical process by which the principles of equity, which originally developed as an alternative system of justice to common law, were eventually integrated into the common law system. This process took place over several centuries in the legal systems of countries that have a common law tradition, such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
One of the main differences between equity and common law is the way in which they approach legal disputes. Common law, which is also known as judge-made law, relies on precedent, or the principles established by previous court decisions, to resolve legal disputes. On the other hand, equity, which originated in the English chancery courts in the Middle Ages, focuses on fairness and the equitable treatment of parties involved in a legal dispute.
One of the main reasons for the fusion of equity and common law was the recognition that the common law system alone was not always able to provide adequate remedies for legal disputes. In some cases, the principles of common law were too rigid and inflexible to adequately address the specific circumstances of a legal dispute. As a result, people began to seek relief from the chancery courts, which applied principles of equity in order to provide a more just and fair resolution to legal disputes.
Over time, the principles of equity became increasingly influential in the common law system, and the two systems began to merge. This process was aided by the fact that many of the judges who sat in both the common law and chancery courts were the same individuals. As a result, the principles of equity began to influence the common law, and the two systems became more closely integrated.
Today, the fusion of equity and common law is a fundamental aspect of the legal systems of many common law countries. The principles of equity are an important source of legal principle and are often used to supplement the principles of common law in order to provide a more complete and just legal system.
Overall, the fusion of equity and common law has had a significant impact on the legal systems of common law countries. It has allowed for a more flexible and fair approach to legal disputes, and has helped to ensure that the legal system is able to adapt and respond to the changing needs and circumstances of society.