Publication Date
2025
Publication Title
Public Law & Legal Theory
Abstract
Those who come into equity must come with clean hands. But what happens when it is the executive who seeks equitable relief? This Essay argues that the unclean-hands doctrine applies to the executive, though in a modified form that reflects the relation- ships between officials in the executive branch, between the executive and legislative branch, and between the government and the people. It then applies the doctrine to current controversies such as government requests for stays from the Supreme Court, and a pending lawsuit against the District of Maryland.
Number
25-46
Recommended Citation
Baude, William and Bray, Samuel L., "When the Executive Has Unclean Hands" (2025). Public Law and Legal Theory Working Papers. 25-46.
https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/public_law_and_legal_theory/961
