Equitable
Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases.
Additional Sources
Answers.com
"according to natural right or natural justice; marked by due consideration for what is fair, unbiased, or impartial." 62 F. Supp. 968, 970.
In Anglo-American jurisprudence, the term is often used to distinguish remedies, defenses, doctrines, and the like that are recognized by courts of equity, as distinguished from those that are "legal" because they are recognized by courts of law.
FindLaw
Having or exhibiting equity: dealing fairly and equally.
Existing or valid in equity or as a matter of equity as distinguished from law.
Law.com Dictionary
1) just, based on fairness and not legal technicalities. 2) refers to positive remedies (orders to do something, not money damages) employed by the courts to solve disputes or give relief.
Lect Law Library
Just, conforming to principles of justice and fairness.



