The Clean Hands Doctrine is a legal principle that prevents a party from seeking equitable relief or asserting a legal claim if they have engaged in wrongful conduct related to the same matter in dispute. Under this doctrine, a party must come to court with clean hands, meaning they must have acted fairly, honestly, and in good faith in their dealings with the other party. If a party seeking relief has engaged in misconduct, such as fraud, deceit, or wrongdoing, courts may refuse to grant them equitable remedies or legal relief. The Clean Hands Doctrine serves to promote fairness, prevent abuse of the legal system, and uphold the integrity of judicial proceedings. It encourages parties to act with honesty and integrity in their dealings and ensures that those who engage in wrongful conduct do not benefit from their own wrongdoing.
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This glossary post was last updated: 28th March, 2024.
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