unclean hands doctrine (Maryland) · Go Syfert
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unclean hands doctrine in Maryland

23 Maryland opinions name it 2 courts 1968–2017 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Maryland courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (15)

CaseFollowedCited
Adams v. Manowngreen
md · 1992 · cited in 12 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1993–2017
2 sentences

2007See Manown v. Adams, 89 Md.App. 503, 513 , 598 A.2d 821 (1991), reversed on other grounds, 328 Md. 463 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992). *714 In Turner v. Turner, 147 Md.App. 350, 419 , 809 A.2d 18 (2002), this Court summarized the clean hands doctrine as follows: The equitable doctrine of unclean hands is “designed to ‘prevent the court from assisting in fraud or other inequitable conduct____’ ” Gordon v. Posner, 142 Md.App. 399, 433 , 790 A.2d 675 (quoting Adams v. Manown, 328 Md. 463, 482 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992)), cert. denied, 369 Md. 180 , 798 A.2d 552 (2002).

2007See Manown v. Adams, 89 Md.App. 503, 513 , 598 A.2d 821 (1991), reversed on other grounds, 328 Md. 463 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992). *714 In Turner v. Turner, 147 Md.App. 350, 419 , 809 A.2d 18 (2002), this Court summarized the clean hands doctrine as follows: The equitable doctrine of unclean hands is “designed to ‘prevent the court from assisting in fraud or other inequitable conduct____’ ” Gordon v. Posner, 142 Md.App. 399, 433 , 790 A.2d 675 (quoting Adams v. Manown, 328 Md. 463, 482 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992)), cert. denied, 369 Md. 180 , 798 A.2d 552 (2002).

712
Manown v. Adamsgreen
mdctspecapp · 1991 · cited in 4 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1993–2007
2 sentences

2007See Manown v. Adams, 89 Md.App. 503, 513 , 598 A.2d 821 (1991), reversed on other grounds, 328 Md. 463 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992). *714 In Turner v. Turner, 147 Md.App. 350, 419 , 809 A.2d 18 (2002), this Court summarized the clean hands doctrine as follows: The equitable doctrine of unclean hands is “designed to ‘prevent the court from assisting in fraud or other inequitable conduct____’ ” Gordon v. Posner, 142 Md.App. 399, 433 , 790 A.2d 675 (quoting Adams v. Manown, 328 Md. 463, 482 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992)), cert. denied, 369 Md. 180 , 798 A.2d 552 (2002).

2007See Manown v. Adams, 89 Md.App. 503, 513 , 598 A.2d 821 (1991), reversed on other grounds, 328 Md. 463 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992). *714 In Turner v. Turner, 147 Md.App. 350, 419 , 809 A.2d 18 (2002), this Court summarized the clean hands doctrine as follows: The equitable doctrine of unclean hands is “designed to ‘prevent the court from assisting in fraud or other inequitable conduct____’ ” Gordon v. Posner, 142 Md.App. 399, 433 , 790 A.2d 675 (quoting Adams v. Manown, 328 Md. 463, 482 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992)), cert. denied, 369 Md. 180 , 798 A.2d 552 (2002).

24
Simard v. Bursongreen
mdctspecapp · 2011 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015See Simard v. Burson, 197 Md.App. 396, 416-17, n. 11 , 14 A.3d 6 (2011); aff'd, 424 Md. 318, 332 , 35 A.3d 1154 (2012).

2015See Simard v. Burson, 197 Md.App. 396, 416-17, n. 11 , 14 A.3d 6 (2011); aff'd, 424 Md. 318, 332 , 35 A.3d 1154 (2012).

22
Hicks v. Gilbertgreen
mdctspecapp · 2000 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2002–2010
2 sentences

2010We explained this equitable doctrine in Wells Fargo v. Neal: The [unjclean hands doctrine states that “courts of equity will not lend their aid to anyone seeking their active interposition, who has been guilty of fraudulent, illegal, or inequitable conduct in the matter with relation to which he seeks assistance.” Hlista [v. Altevogt], 239 Md. [43,] 48, 210 A.2d [153,] 156 [ (1965) ]; see also Hicks v. Gilbert, 135 Md.App. 394, 400 , 762 A.2d 986, 989-90 (2000).

2010We explained this equitable doctrine in Wells Fargo v. Neal: The [unjclean hands doctrine states that “courts of equity will not lend their aid to anyone seeking their active interposition, who has been guilty of fraudulent, illegal, or inequitable conduct in the matter with relation to which he seeks assistance.” Hlista [v. Altevogt], 239 Md. [43,] 48, 210 A.2d [153,] 156 [ (1965) ]; see also Hicks v. Gilbert, 135 Md.App. 394, 400 , 762 A.2d 986, 989-90 (2000).

22
Turner v. Turnergreen
mdctspecapp · 2002 · cited in 5 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2007–2014
2 sentences

2014App. 350 , 809 A.2d 18 (2002), a case in which the intermediate appellate court affirmed the application of the unclean hands doctrine in a divorce proceeding, is inapposite. 31 Our holding, of course, has no impact on the County’s right to pursue fines or other recourse because of Wagner’s construction activities. 40 Minimum Variance Necessary Petitioners’ best argument is that the variance sought is not the minimum necessary to afford Wagner relief.

2014App. 350 , 809 A.2d 18 (2002), a case in which the intermediate appellate court affirmed the application of the unclean hands doctrine in a divorce proceeding, is inapposite. 31 Our holding, of course, has no impact on the County’s right to pursue fines or other recourse because of Wagner’s construction activities. 40 Minimum Variance Necessary Petitioners’ best argument is that the variance sought is not the minimum necessary to afford Wagner relief.

15
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. v. Nealgreen
md · 2007 · cited in 3 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2010–2015
2 sentences

2015Citing Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. v. Neal, 398 Md. 705, 729-30 , 922 A.2d 538 (2007), the court said that the unclean hands doctrine provides that “courts of equity will not lend their aid to anyone seeking their active interposition, who has been guilty of fraudulent, illegal, or inequitable conduct in the matter with relation to which he seeks assistance.” The judge did not explicitly find that Greentree’s conduct was “fraudulent, illegal, or inequitable,” but, implied that this was the case.

2015Citing Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. v. Neal, 398 Md. 705, 729-30 , 922 A.2d 538 (2007), the court said that the unclean hands doctrine provides that “courts of equity will not lend their aid to anyone seeking their active interposition, who has been guilty of fraudulent, illegal, or inequitable conduct in the matter with relation to which he seeks assistance.” The judge did not explicitly find that Greentree’s conduct was “fraudulent, illegal, or inequitable,” but, implied that this was the case.

13
Schneider v. Schneidergreen
mdctspecapp · 1993 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1994–2000
2 sentences

2000See Schneider v. Schneider, 96 Md.App. 296, 312 , 624 A.2d 1319 (1993), rev'd on other grounds, 335 Md. 500 , 644 A.2d 510 (1994).

2000See Schneider v. Schneider, 96 Md.App. 296, 312 , 624 A.2d 1319 (1993), rev'd on other grounds, 335 Md. 500 , 644 A.2d 510 (1994).

12
Mona v. Mona Electric Group, Inc.green
mdctspecapp · 2007 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
2 sentences

2017Grp., Inc., 176 Md.App. 672, 710 , 934 A.2d 450, 472 (2007), in which the Court of Special Appeals affirmed a trial court’s sua sponte raising the doctrine of unclean hands at a JNOV hearing and entering JNOV, in part, on that basis.

2017Grp., Inc., 176 Md.App. 672, 710 , 934 A.2d 450, 472 (2007), in which the Court of Special Appeals affirmed a trial court’s sua sponte raising the doctrine of unclean hands at a JNOV hearing and entering JNOV, in part, on that basis.

11
Dickerson v. Longoriagreen
md · 2010 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
2 sentences

2017The doctrine does not mandate that those seeking equitable relief must have exhibited unblemished conduct in every transaction to which they have ever been a party, but rather that the particular matter for which a litigant seeks equitable relief must not be marred by any fraudulent, illegal, or inequitable conduct. *126 Dickerson v. Longoria, 414 Md. 419, 455 , 995 A.2d 721, 743 (2010) (citation, brackets, and internal quotation marks omitted).

2017The doctrine does not mandate that those seeking equitable relief must have exhibited unblemished conduct in every transaction to which they have ever been a party, but rather that the particular matter for which a litigant seeks equitable relief must not be marred by any fraudulent, illegal, or inequitable conduct. *126 Dickerson v. Longoria, 414 Md. 419, 455 , 995 A.2d 721, 743 (2010) (citation, brackets, and internal quotation marks omitted).

11
Tower Oaks Boulevard, LLC v. Procidagreen
mdctspecapp · 2014 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
2 sentences

2017The trial court “then went on to address the merits of the motion to stay and dismiss, opining that if the motion to stay and dismiss had been authorized, the wrongful conduct [of another entity] ... would not eliminate [that entity’s] right to foreclose, as a matter of law or under the unclean hands doctrine.” Id. at 392 , 100 A.3d at 1265 (emphasis omitted).

2017The trial court “then went on to address the merits of the motion to stay and dismiss, opining that if the motion to stay and dismiss had been authorized, the wrongful conduct [of another entity] ... would not eliminate [that entity’s] right to foreclose, as a matter of law or under the unclean hands doctrine.” Id. at 392 , 100 A.3d at 1265 (emphasis omitted).

11
Schneider v. Schneidergreen
md · 1994 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
2 sentences

2000See Schneider v. Schneider, 96 Md.App. 296, 312 , 624 A.2d 1319 (1993), rev'd on other grounds, 335 Md. 500 , 644 A.2d 510 (1994).

2000See Schneider v. Schneider, 96 Md.App. 296, 312 , 624 A.2d 1319 (1993), rev'd on other grounds, 335 Md. 500 , 644 A.2d 510 (1994).

11
McClees v. McCleesgreen
md · 1932 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
2 sentences

1993See, e.g., McClees v. McClees, 162 Md. 70, 80-81 , 158 A. 349 (1932); Childs v. Childs, 49 Md. 509, 513 (1878). 4 .

1993See, e.g., McClees v. McClees, 162 Md. 70, 80-81 , 158 A. 349 (1932); Childs v. Childs, 49 Md. 509, 513 (1878). 4 .

11
Childs v. Childsgreen
md · 1878 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
1 sentence

1993See, e.g., McClees v. McClees, 162 Md. 70, 80-81 , 158 A. 349 (1932); Childs v. Childs, 49 Md. 509, 513 (1878). 4 .

11
Messick v. Smithgreen
md · 1949 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
2 sentences

1991See Messick, 193 Md. at 667-671 , 69 A.2d 478 (using “in pari delicto" and "clean hands” interchangeably).

1991See Messick, 193 Md. at 667-671 , 69 A.2d 478 (using “in pari delicto" and "clean hands” interchangeably).

11
Castiglione v. Johns Hopkins Hospitalgreen
mdctspecapp · 1986 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
2 sentences

1991See Castiglione v. Johns Hopkins Hospital, 69 Md.App. 325, 333 , 517 A.2d 786 (1986), quoting Vanhook v. Merchants Mutual Ins.

1991See Castiglione v. Johns Hopkins Hospital, 69 Md.App. 325, 333 , 517 A.2d 786 (1986), quoting Vanhook v. Merchants Mutual Ins.

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Maryland. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (11)

CaseCitedYears
Gordon v. Posner green
mdctspecapp · 2002
2 sentences

2007See Manown v. Adams, 89 Md.App. 503, 513 , 598 A.2d 821 (1991), reversed on other grounds, 328 Md. 463 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992). *714 In Turner v. Turner, 147 Md.App. 350, 419 , 809 A.2d 18 (2002), this Court summarized the clean hands doctrine as follows: The equitable doctrine of unclean hands is “designed to ‘prevent the court from assisting in fraud or other inequitable conduct____’ ” Gordon v. Posner, 142 Md.App. 399, 433 , 790 A.2d 675 (quoting Adams v. Manown, 328 Md. 463, 482 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992)), cert. denied, 369 Md. 180 , 798 A.2d 552 (2002).

2007See Manown v. Adams, 89 Md.App. 503, 513 , 598 A.2d 821 (1991), reversed on other grounds, 328 Md. 463 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992). *714 In Turner v. Turner, 147 Md.App. 350, 419 , 809 A.2d 18 (2002), this Court summarized the clean hands doctrine as follows: The equitable doctrine of unclean hands is “designed to ‘prevent the court from assisting in fraud or other inequitable conduct____’ ” Gordon v. Posner, 142 Md.App. 399, 433 , 790 A.2d 675 (quoting Adams v. Manown, 328 Md. 463, 482 , 615 A.2d 611 (1992)), cert. denied, 369 Md. 180 , 798 A.2d 552 (2002).

22002–2007
Simard v. White green
md · 2004
1 sentence

2015The court emphasized that, due to Greentree’s default, “more than a 2 In support of that statement, the circuit court quoted from Simard v. White, 383 Md. at 320 -21 as follows: [T]he Court, then, has remained cognizant of the need to protect the interests of the mortgagor, who has not been relieved of his liability for deficiency on the mortgage at any time during the sale and resale in the foreclosure process, as well as the interest of the mortgagee who has invoked the power of the court in pursuit of satisfaction of the debt owed to him. 7 year had passed since the first sale was ratified

12015–2015
Roper v. Camuso green
md · 2003
1 sentence

2015Id. at 273-74, 829 A.2d 589 . 9 .

12015–2015
Burson v. Simard green
md · 2012
2 sentences

2015See Simard v. Burson, 197 Md.App. 396, 416-17, n. 11 , 14 A.3d 6 (2011); aff'd, 424 Md. 318, 332 , 35 A.3d 1154 (2012).

2015See Simard v. Burson, 197 Md.App. 396, 416-17, n. 11 , 14 A.3d 6 (2011); aff'd, 424 Md. 318, 332 , 35 A.3d 1154 (2012).

12015–2015
Sherwood Co. v. Sherwood Distilling Co. green
md · 1939
2 sentences

2000Citing Sherwood Company v. Sherwood Distilling Company, 177 Md. 455 , 9 A.2d 842 (1939), he urged the unclean hands doctrine did not apply because he paid his creditors.

2000Citing Sherwood Company v. Sherwood Distilling Company, 177 Md. 455 , 9 A.2d 842 (1939), he urged the unclean hands doctrine did not apply because he paid his creditors.

12000–2000
Bland v. Larsen green
mdctspecapp · 1993
2 sentences

1994In Bland v. Larsen, 97 Md.App. 125 , 627 A.2d 79 (1993), Bland asserted on appeal that the trial court had erred in failing to apply the doctrine of unclean hands.

1994In Bland v. Larsen, 97 Md.App. 125 , 627 A.2d 79 (1993), Bland asserted on appeal that the trial court had erred in failing to apply the doctrine of unclean hands.

11994–1994
Truitt v. Miller green
dc · 1979
2 sentences

1992For example, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in Truitt v. Miller, 407 A.2d 1073 (D.C. 1979), held: "Although `unclean hands' is a companion principle to the doctrine of in pari delicto, Tarasi v. Pittsburgh National Bank, 555 F.2d 1152 , 1156-57 n. 9 (3d Cir.1977), it has no applicability in an action for damages." Id. at 1079-80; see also Ligon v. E.F.

1992For example, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in Truitt v. Miller, 407 A.2d 1073 (D.C.1979), held: “Although ‘unclean hands’ is a companion principle to the doctrine of in pari delicto, Tarasi v. Pittsburgh National Bank, 555 F.2d 1152 , 1156-57 n. 9 (3d Cir.1977), it has no applicability in an action for damages.” Id. at 1079-80; see also Ligon v. E.F.

11992–1992
William TARASI, George Sampas and Virginia R. Harrigan, Appellants, v. PITTSBURGH NATIONAL BANK and S. Robert Mialki green
ca3 · 1977
2 sentences

1992For example, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in Truitt v. Miller, 407 A.2d 1073 (D.C. 1979), held: "Although `unclean hands' is a companion principle to the doctrine of in pari delicto, Tarasi v. Pittsburgh National Bank, 555 F.2d 1152 , 1156-57 n. 9 (3d Cir.1977), it has no applicability in an action for damages." Id. at 1079-80; see also Ligon v. E.F.

1992For example, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in Truitt v. Miller, 407 A.2d 1073 (D.C.1979), held: “Although ‘unclean hands’ is a companion principle to the doctrine of in pari delicto, Tarasi v. Pittsburgh National Bank, 555 F.2d 1152 , 1156-57 n. 9 (3d Cir.1977), it has no applicability in an action for damages.” Id. at 1079-80; see also Ligon v. E.F.

11992–1992
Niner v. Hanson green
md · 1958
2 sentences

1991Miner, 217 Md. at 309 , 142 A.2d 798 .

1991Miner, 217 Md. at 309 , 142 A.2d 798 .

11991–1991
Hlista v. Altevogt green
md · 1965
2 sentences

1991Hlista v. Altevogt, 239 Md. 43, 48 , 210 A.2d 153 (1965).

1991Hlista v. Altevogt, 239 Md. 43, 48 , 210 A.2d 153 (1965).

11991–1991
Space Aero Products Co. v. R. E. Darling Co. green
md · 1965
1 sentence

1968Darling Co., supra, 238 Md. at 120 , and is seldom a defense available in an unfair competition action.

11968–1968

Statutes the citing opinions construe

MD § Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 5-204 (4) MD § Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 10-305 (4) MD § Md. Code Ann., Nat. Res. § 8-1801 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 160 (1943–2026) TX 57 (1978–2026) CT 56 (1990–2025) NY 55 (1959–2025) NJ 44 (1932–2026) DE 42 (1934–2026) PA 41 (1954–2026) IL 40 (1947–2025) TN 35 (1924–2026) IN 34 (1994–2025) MI 31 (2015–2025) MS 30 (1987–2025) FL 26 (1957–2024) MD 23 (1968–2017) OH 23 (1998–2026) GA 19 (1963–2020) ID 15 (1985–2026) SC 15 (2001–2026) AL 12 (1968–2025) MN 12 (1977–2024) OR 12 (1972–2021) KY 12 (1952–2025) AZ 11 (1961–2022) MO 11 (2002–2024) NE 11 (1989–2019) VA 11 (1998–2026) NM 11 (1995–2023) AR 10 (1987–2026) UT 9 (2004–2024) WA 8 (1996–2024) NC 7 (1979–2018) CO 7 (2010–2025) LA 7 (1991–2023) KS 6 (1976–2022) NV 6 (2008–2021) MA 6 (1973–2015) DC 6 (1985–2026) AK 5 (2013–2024) ND 5 (1987–2025) HI 5 (1998–2024) IA 5 (1992–2023) ME 4 (1995–2018) RI 3 (1983–2009) VT 3 (2002–2025) WV 3 (1996–2020) WI 3 (1984–2021) SD 2 (2006–2015) MT 2 (2002–2020) NH 2 (1999–2016) OK 2 (1999–2021)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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