clean hands doctrine in Mississippi

43 Mississippi opinions name it 2 courts 1938–2026 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Mississippi 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 (22)

Case	Followed	Cited
Bailey v. Baileygreen miss · 1998 · cited in 21 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2000–2026 2 sentences 2026“The clean hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Bailey v. Bailey, 724 So. 2d 335, 337 (¶6) (Miss. 1998). ¶24. 2023“The clean hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Bailey v. Bailey, 724 So. 2d 335, 337 (Miss. 1998).	18	21
Calcote v. Calcotegreen miss · 1991 · cited in 12 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 1994–2013 2 sentences 2013“The clean hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Bailey v. Bailey, 724 So.2d 335, 337 (¶ 6) (Miss.1998); Calcote v. Calcote, 583 So.2d 197, 199-200 (Miss.1991). ¶ 45. 2011Therefore, the chancellor properly deducted it in making her findings. ."The clean hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Bailey v. Bailey, 724 So.2d 335, 337 (¶ 6) (Miss.1998) (quoting Calcote v. Calcote, 583 So.2d 197, 199-200 (Miss.1991)).	11	12
Thigpen v. Kennedygreen miss · 1970 · cited in 4 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 1987–2011 2 sentences 2011See Cook v. Whiddon, 866 So.2d 494, 498 (¶ 13) (Miss.Ct.App.2004) (citing Thigpen v. Kennedy, 238 So.2d 744, 746 (Miss.1970) (The clean-hands doctrine provides that “[h]e who comes into equity must come with clean hands.”)). 2010In Andres v. Andres, 22 So.3d 314, 320 (¶ 25) (Miss.Ct.App.2009), this Court stated: The doctrine of clean-hands provides that “he who comes into equity must come with clean hands.” Cook v. Whiddon, 866 So.2d 494, 498 (¶ 13) (Miss.Ct.App.2004) (citing Thigpen v. Kennedy, 238 So.2d 744, 746 (Miss.1970)). “[T]he clean-hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Id. (citing Bailey v. Bailey, So.2d 335, 337 (¶ 6) (Miss.1998)).	4	4
Cook v. Whiddongreen missctapp · 2004 · cited in 3 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2009–2011 2 sentences 2011See Cook v. Whiddon, 866 So.2d 494, 498 (¶ 13) (Miss.Ct.App.2004) (citing Thigpen v. Kennedy, 238 So.2d 744, 746 (Miss.1970) (The clean-hands doctrine provides that “[h]e who comes into equity must come with clean hands.”)). 2010In Andres v. Andres, 22 So.3d 314, 320 (¶ 25) (Miss.Ct.App.2009), this Court stated: The doctrine of clean-hands provides that “he who comes into equity must come with clean hands.” Cook v. Whiddon, 866 So.2d 494, 498 (¶ 13) (Miss.Ct.App.2004) (citing Thigpen v. Kennedy, 238 So.2d 744, 746 (Miss.1970)). “[T]he clean-hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Id. (citing Bailey v. Bailey, So.2d 335, 337 (¶ 6) (Miss.1998)).	3	3
Dill v. Dillgreen missctapp · 2005 · cited in 2 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2007–2021 2 sentences 2021Ct. App. 2009). “[U]nder the clean hands doctrine, anyone that comes before a court of equity must do equity as a condition of recovery.” Dill v. Dill, 908 So. 2d 198, 202 (¶11) (Miss. 2007See Dill v. Dill, 908 So.2d 198, 202 (¶¶ 12-13) (Miss.Ct.App.2005) (holding that the clean hands doctrine prevented the chancellor from considering the appellant’s petition for modification).	2	2
Ellzey v. Jamesgreen missctapp · 2007 · cited in 2 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2010–2011 2 sentences 2011Id. at 196 (¶ 14); see also Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789-90 (Miss.1993); Walters v. Patterson, 531 So.2d 581, 584 (Miss.1988). ¶ 30. 2010See Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789 (Miss.1993); Cain v. Thomas, 373 So.2d 812, 814 (Miss.1979); Willenbrock v. Brown, 239 So.2d 922, 925 (Miss.1970); Ellzey v. James, 970 So.2d 193, 196 (¶ 14) (Miss.Ct.App.2007); see also Goodwin Motor Corp. v. Mercedes-Benz of N. Am., Inc., 172 N.J.Super. 263 , 411 A.2d 1144, 1148 (1980) (applying the clean-hands doctrine to bar corporation from intervening where principals of corporation deliberately misled court from initial stages of litigation).	2	2
Collins v. Collinsgreen miss · 1993 · cited in 2 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2010–2011 2 sentences 2011Id. at 196 (¶ 14); see also Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789-90 (Miss.1993); Walters v. Patterson, 531 So.2d 581, 584 (Miss.1988). ¶ 30. 2010See Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789 (Miss.1993); Cain v. Thomas, 373 So.2d 812, 814 (Miss.1979); Willenbrock v. Brown, 239 So.2d 922, 925 (Miss.1970); Ellzey v. James, 970 So.2d 193, 196 (¶ 14) (Miss.Ct.App.2007); see also Goodwin Motor Corp. v. Mercedes-Benz of N. Am., Inc., 172 N.J.Super. 263 , 411 A.2d 1144, 1148 (1980) (applying the clean-hands doctrine to bar corporation from intervening where principals of corporation deliberately misled court from initial stages of litigation).	2	2
Dc v. Dcgreen miss · 2008 · cited in 2 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009 2 sentences 2009We held that “it would not serve the best interest of the children if we were to allow the mother who has demonstrated a recurring disregard for the orders of the [Chancery Court], to proceed with her appeal.” D.C v. D.C., 988 So.2d 359, 363-64 (Miss.2008). 8 A rehearing on the substitute opinion was denied. 2009We held that "it would not serve the best interest of the children if we were to allow the mother who has demonstrated a recurring disregard for the orders of the [Chancery Court], to proceed with her appeal." D.C. v. D.C., 988 So.2d 359, 363-64 (Miss.2008). [8] A rehearing on the substitute opinion was denied.	2	2
Cain v. Thomasgreen miss · 1979 · cited in 2 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 1991–2010 2 sentences 2010See Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789 (Miss.1993); Cain v. Thomas, 373 So.2d 812, 814 (Miss.1979); Willenbrock v. Brown, 239 So.2d 922, 925 (Miss.1970); Ellzey v. James, 970 So.2d 193, 196 (¶ 14) (Miss.Ct.App.2007); see also Goodwin Motor Corp. v. Mercedes-Benz of N. Am., Inc., 172 N.J.Super. 263 , 411 A.2d 1144, 1148 (1980) (applying the clean-hands doctrine to bar corporation from intervening where principals of corporation deliberately misled court from initial stages of litigation). 1991Id. at 814 .	1	2
Karpenko v. Leendertzgreen ca3 · 2010 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020 1 sentence 2020The trial court or the appellate court may invoke the doctrine on its own motion.” (citations omitted)); Karpenko v. Leendertz, 619 F.3d 259, 265 (3d Cir. 2010); Foster v. Foster, 655 S.E.2d 172, 177 (W.	1	1
Foster v. Fostergreen wva · 2007 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020 1 sentence 2020The trial court or the appellate court may invoke the doctrine on its own motion.” (citations omitted)); Karpenko v. Leendertz, 619 F.3d 259, 265 (3d Cir. 2010); Foster v. Foster, 655 S.E.2d 172, 177 (W.	1	1
Dixon v. Dixongreen missctapp · 2018 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019 1 sentence 2019In the context of domestic-relations matters, however, we have held that “the entry of a judgment for arrearages cleanses the payor’s hands and allows the chancellor to review the merits of the payor’s request for . . . [relief].” Dixon v. Dixon, 238 So. 3d 1191, 1198 (¶25) (Miss.	1	1
Scruggs v. Wyattgreen miss · 2011 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017 1 sentence 2017Their argument sounds like a claim that LPOA has “unclean hands,” but “the clean hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court” only if the party “is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Scruggs v. Wyatt, 60 So. 3d 758, 772 (¶34) (Miss. 2011) (emphasis added; emphasis omitted) (quoting Bailey v. Bailey, 724 So. 2d 335, 337 (¶6) (Miss. 1998)).	1	1
Walters v. Pattersongreen miss · 1988 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011 1 sentence 2011Id. at 196 (¶ 14); see also Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789-90 (Miss.1993); Walters v. Patterson, 531 So.2d 581, 584 (Miss.1988). ¶ 30.	1	1
Goodwin Motor Corp. v. Mercedes-Benz of NA, Inc.green njsuperctappdiv · 1980 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010 2 sentences 2010See Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789 (Miss.1993); Cain v. Thomas, 373 So.2d 812, 814 (Miss.1979); Willenbrock v. Brown, 239 So.2d 922, 925 (Miss.1970); Ellzey v. James, 970 So.2d 193, 196 (¶ 14) (Miss.Ct.App.2007); see also Goodwin Motor Corp. v. Mercedes-Benz of N. Am., Inc., 172 N.J.Super. 263 , 411 A.2d 1144, 1148 (1980) (applying the clean-hands doctrine to bar corporation from intervening where principals of corporation deliberately misled court from initial stages of litigation). 2010See Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789 (Miss.1993); Cain v. Thomas, 373 So.2d 812, 814 (Miss.1979); Willenbrock v. Brown, 239 So.2d 922, 925 (Miss.1970); Ellzey v. James, 970 So.2d 193, 196 (¶ 14) (Miss.Ct.App.2007); see also Goodwin Motor Corp. v. Mercedes-Benz of N. Am., Inc., 172 N.J.Super. 263 , 411 A.2d 1144, 1148 (1980) (applying the clean-hands doctrine to bar corporation from intervening where principals of corporation deliberately misled court from initial stages of litigation).	1	1
Willenbrock v. Browngreen miss · 1970 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010 1 sentence 2010See Collins v. Collins, 625 So.2d 786, 789 (Miss.1993); Cain v. Thomas, 373 So.2d 812, 814 (Miss.1979); Willenbrock v. Brown, 239 So.2d 922, 925 (Miss.1970); Ellzey v. James, 970 So.2d 193, 196 (¶ 14) (Miss.Ct.App.2007); see also Goodwin Motor Corp. v. Mercedes-Benz of N. Am., Inc., 172 N.J.Super. 263 , 411 A.2d 1144, 1148 (1980) (applying the clean-hands doctrine to bar corporation from intervening where principals of corporation deliberately misled court from initial stages of litigation).	1	1
Banks v. Banksgreen miss · 1995 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009 1 sentence 2009See Banks v. Banks, 648 So.2d 1116, 1126 (Miss.1994).	1	1
Rk v. Jkgreen miss · 2007 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007 1 sentence 2007See R.K. v. J.K., 946 So.2d 764, 773-74 (¶¶ 18-26) (Miss.2007) (upholding a chancellor's refusal to enforce a liquidated damages provision in a property settlement agreement by applying the clean hands doctrine to bar enforcement).	1	1
Galloway v. Inglisgreen miss · 1925 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005 2 sentences 2005Mississippi’s chancery-courts are courts of equity, and under the clean hands doctrine, anyone that comes before “a court of equity ... must do equity as a condition of recovery.” Galloway v. Inglis, 138 Miss. 350, 359 , 103 So. 147, 149 (1925); see also Billy G. 2005Mississippi’s chancery-courts are courts of equity, and under the clean hands doctrine, anyone that comes before “a court of equity ... must do equity as a condition of recovery.” Galloway v. Inglis, 138 Miss. 350, 359 , 103 So. 147, 149 (1925); see also Billy G.	1	1
Bardwell v. Whitegreen missctapp · 2000 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004 2 sentences 2004In Bardwell v. White, 762 So.2d 778, 783 (Miss.Ct.App. 2000), this Court held that "the clean hands doctrine bars relief to those guilty of improper, unconscientious, or unjust conduct in the matter as to which they seek equity." The majority holds that "[w]e do not believe that the exercise of a statutory right, without more, can be the basis for sustaining a charge of unclean hands." The majority does not cite legal authority for this holding, and I can find no authority to support it. 2004In Bardwell v. White, 762 So.2d 778, 783 (Miss.Ct.App. 2000), this Court held that "the clean hands doctrine bars relief to those guilty of improper, unconscientious, or unjust conduct in the matter as to which they seek equity." The majority holds that "[w]e do not believe that the exercise of a statutory right, without more, can be the basis for sustaining a charge of unclean hands." The majority does not cite legal authority for this holding, and I can find no authority to support it.	1	1
O'Neill v. O'Neillgreen miss · 1989 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000 1 sentence 2000“The meaning of this maxim is to declare that ‘no person as a complaining party can have the aid of a court of equity when his conduct with respect to the transaction in question has been characterized by wilful inequity....’” O’Neill v. O’Neill, 551 So.2d 228, 233 (Miss.1989) (quoting V.A.	1	1
Crabb v. Comergreen · 1941 · cited in 1 Mississippi opinions naming this issue, 1987–1987 2 sentences 1987See Crabb v. Comer 190 Miss. 289 , 200 So. 133 (1941). 1987See Crabb v. Comer 190 Miss. 289 , 200 So. 133 (1941).	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

Case	Negative	Cited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Mississippi. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (8)

Case	Cited	Years
Palmer v. Biloxi Regional Medical Center, Inc. green miss · 1990 2 sentences 1997We actually held that "a defendant's own procrastination becomes relevant only when the plaintiff's procrastination is being characterized (by the defendant) as unacceptable." Palmer, 564 So.2d at 1370 . 1993We actually held that "a defendant's own procrastination becomes relevant only when the plaintiff's procrastination is being characterized (by the defendant) as unacceptable." Palmer, 564 So.2d at 1370 . ¶25.	2	1993–1997
Schlom v. Schlom green · 1928 2 sentences 1980On appeal, the decree of the chancery court was affirmed in the following language: We are of the opinion that Section 1421, Code of 1930, and the principles laid down in Schlom v. Schlom, 149 Miss. 111 , 115 So. 197 , and Campbell v. Lovgren, 175 Miss. 4 , 166 So. 365 , are a complete answer to the first contention of appellant. 1980On appeal, the decree of the chancery court was affirmed in the following language: We are of the opinion that Section 1421, Code of 1930, and the principles laid down in Schlom v. Schlom, 149 Miss. 111 , 115 So. 197 , and Campbell v. Lovgren, 175 Miss. 4 , 166 So. 365 , are a complete answer to the first contention of appellant.	2	1938–1980
Campbell v. Lovgren green miss · 1936 2 sentences 1980On appeal, the decree of the chancery court was affirmed in the following language: We are of the opinion that Section 1421, Code of 1930, and the principles laid down in Schlom v. Schlom, 149 Miss. 111 , 115 So. 197 , and Campbell v. Lovgren, 175 Miss. 4 , 166 So. 365 , are a complete answer to the first contention of appellant. 1980On appeal, the decree of the chancery court was affirmed in the following language: We are of the opinion that Section 1421, Code of 1930, and the principles laid down in Schlom v. Schlom, 149 Miss. 111 , 115 So. 197 , and Campbell v. Lovgren, 175 Miss. 4 , 166 So. 365 , are a complete answer to the first contention of appellant.	2	1938–1980
David H. Vincent v. Joan Hankins Rickman green missctapp · 2015 1 sentence 2019As our caselaw explains, “the clean-hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Id.	1	2019–2019
Andres v. Andres green missctapp · 2009 1 sentence 2010In Andres v. Andres, 22 So.3d 314, 320 (¶ 25) (Miss.Ct.App.2009), this Court stated: The doctrine of clean-hands provides that “he who comes into equity must come with clean hands.” Cook v. Whiddon, 866 So.2d 494, 498 (¶ 13) (Miss.Ct.App.2004) (citing Thigpen v. Kennedy, 238 So.2d 744, 746 (Miss.1970)). “[T]he clean-hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Id. (citing Bailey v. Bailey, So.2d 335, 337 (¶ 6) (Miss.1998)).	1	2010–2010
Brawdy v. Howell green missctapp · 2003 1 sentence 2009“The clean hands doctrine prevents a complaining party from obtaining equitable relief in court when he is guilty of willful misconduct in the transaction at issue.” Brawdy v. Howell, 841 So.2d 1175 , 1180—81(1122) (Miss.Ct.App.2003) (quoting Bailey v. Bailey, 724 So.2d 335, 337 (116) (Miss.1998)).	1	2009–2009
Kincaid v. Kincaid green miss · 1952 1 sentence 2005Ben, accordingly, could only satisfy the clean hands doctrine by proving that performance under the terms of the original decree was impossible, and the Mississippi Supreme Court has expressed the need to prove such impossibility “with particularity and not in general terms.” Id. (citations omitted).	1	2005–2005
Seeley v. Stafford green missctapp · 2003 1 sentence 2004Id.	1	2004–2004

Statutes the citing opinions construe

MS § Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-101 (3)

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

CT 63 (1949–2025) MS 43 (1938–2026) AL 37 (1981–2025) MI 28 (1940–2025) TX 27 (1956–2020) CA 27 (1943–2023) MD 25 (1952–2023) NJ 17 (1934–2008) FL 17 (1946–2010) AR 16 (1939–2022) OH 15 (1960–2024) KS 15 (1975–2025) IL 14 (1919–2023) ID 12 (1983–2024) PA 12 (1953–2020) NY 12 (1941–1992) OR 10 (1967–2021) LA 10 (2014–2023) WI 9 (1981–2024) NC 7 (1982–2022) VA 7 (1990–2024) IA 6 (1995–2023) MO 6 (1969–1989) MT 5 (1955–2008) TN 5 (1977–2013) CO 5 (1993–2016) ME 5 (1990–2015) DC 4 (1970–2021) IN 4 (1969–2025) WV 4 (1931–2024) AZ 4 (1963–2010) UT 3 (2009–2024) HI 3 (2006–2011) NE 3 (1983–1992) GA 3 (1987–2006) WA 3 (1979–2017) DE 2 (1971–1998) OK 2 (2002–2005)

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.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check