Chancery

Chancery refers to a type of court or a division within a court system that deals with equity matters, as opposed to legal matters. The term originates from the medieval Chancellor's office, which was responsible for the administration of justice and the issuance of writs.

Historical Background

The concept of Chancery dates back to the Middle Ages in England, where the Lord Chancellor presided over the Court of Chancery. This court was distinct from the common law courts and was responsible for administering equity, which is a body of law that addresses fairness and justice, often providing remedies that are not available in common law.

Functions and Jurisdiction

Chancery courts typically handle cases involving trusts, estates, guardianships, and fiduciary matters. They also deal with issues such as injunctions, specific performance, and rescission of contracts. The primary aim of a Chancery court is to provide equitable relief, which means offering solutions that are fair and just, rather than strictly adhering to the letter of the law.

Modern Chancery Courts

In modern times, the functions of Chancery courts have been absorbed into various judicial systems. For example, in the United States, some states have separate Chancery courts, such as the Delaware Court of Chancery, which is renowned for its expertise in corporate law. In other jurisdictions, Chancery functions are handled by specialized divisions within the general court system.

Notable Chancery Courts

• Court of Chancery (England and Wales)
• Delaware Court of Chancery
• New Jersey Chancery Division

Related Legal Concepts

• Equity (law)
• Common law
• Injunction
• Specific performance
• Rescission (contract law)

See Also

• Lord Chancellor
• Court of Chancery (England and Wales)
• Delaware Court of Chancery
• Equity (law)
• Common law
• Injunction
• Specific performance
• Rescission (contract law)