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Simple English definitions for legal terms
unclean-hands doctrine
Read a random definition: infra aetatem
A quick definition of unclean-hands doctrine:
The unclean-hands doctrine is a principle that says if someone has done something wrong or unfair, they cannot ask for help from a court to fix the problem. This is because they have "unclean hands." For example, if someone takes a child away from their parent without permission, they cannot ask a court to help them keep the child. This rule comes from the idea that courts should only help people who have acted fairly and honestly.
A more thorough explanation:
The unclean-hands doctrine is a legal principle that states a party cannot seek equitable relief or assert an equitable defense if they have violated an equitable principle, such as good faith. This means that if a party has acted unfairly or dishonestly, they cannot ask a court to help them.
For example, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act has an unclean-hands provision that forbids a court from exercising jurisdiction in a child-custody suit in certain situations. This includes when one party has wrongfully removed a child from another state, has improperly retained custody of a child after visitation, or has wrongfully removed a child from the person with custody.
The clean-hands doctrine evolved from the discretionary nature of equitable relief in English courts of equity, such as Chancery. It is based on the idea that a party who seeks equity must do so with clean hands.
Overall, the unclean-hands doctrine is a way to ensure that parties act fairly and honestly in legal proceedings. It prevents those who have acted improperly from benefiting from their actions.