Legal Remedies vs Equitable Remedies

Legal remedies and equitable remedies are two types of remedies available in a court of law to a plaintiff who has suffered harm or injury due to the actions of another party. The type of remedy awarded will depend on the specific circumstances of each case, and the discretion of the judge or jury.

Legal remedies are monetary compensation or damages that are awarded to the plaintiff for their losses, which can be easily quantified, such as lost wages, medical bills, or property damage. These remedies are generally based on the principle of compensation, which aims to restore the plaintiff to the position they were in before the harm occurred.

Equitable remedies are non-monetary remedies that aim to prevent ongoing harm or to restore a situation that existed before the harm occurred. These remedies are based on the principles of fairness and justice, and are granted at the discretion of the court. Examples of equitable remedies include injunctions, specific performance, and rescission.

In general, legal remedies are awarded more frequently than equitable remedies, as they are often easier to quantify and enforce. However, in some cases, equitable remedies may be necessary to fully address the harm suffered by the plaintiff.