doctrine of unclean hands california

4264-4265.). Planning&ZoningCommis-sion,57Conn.App.797,801,750A.2d507(2000).''When. The unclean hands doctrine is also known as the "clean hands doctrine" and the "dirty hands doctrine." Construction," G.R. By doing so the unclean hands doctrine protects both the . Further, Candie has waived the right to raise this issue [157 Cal. Again, we find no abuse of discretion on the part of the trial court. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Unclean hands, sometimes clean hands doctrine or dirty hands doctrine is an equitable defense in which the defendant argues that the plaintiff is not entitled to obtain an equitable remedy on account of the fact that the plaintiff is acting unethically or has acted in bad faith with respect to the subject of the complaint that is, with unclean hands. This would be the doctrine of unclean hands, arguing that the other parent didn't cooperate in time sharing and that is why child support was withheld. Third, she claims that the court was biased against her. . In this case, it would not be considered one of the many types of breach of contract that the business could sue you for. State-by-State Guide to the Statute of Limitations on Debt. The court stated by noting that a forged deed is a nullity, even as to bona fide buyers, but a partys conduct may estop the party from asserting that the deed was forged. The answer to that question is yes, you can. Submit your case to schedule a free consultation. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. 183444, 12 October 2011. Every year True Legal Group helps donate a percentage of its income to outreach programs across the community. 523.) Coercion or forcing someone to enter into the agreement, 5. The "unclean hands" doctrine is a doctrine that prevents one party to a lawsuit from receiving a particular outcome to a case because that party has also engaged in bad behavior. If the defendant is simply indicating that the plaintiff is a bad person, then this is not enough to justify the affirmative defense. Rptr. (1)(e); see also Porter & Walsh, The Evolution of California's Child Custody Laws: A Question of Statutory Interpretation (1975) 7 Sw.U.L.Rev. Corp., 2010 WL 3522409, at *3 (D. Colo. Aug. 11, 2010) (citing In re New Valley Corp., 181 F.3d 517, 523 (3d Cir. D0iUy74}73 MG"Pdn-~BrB(&NM9`yC^OA>W^QOTB+,YKhr=vRnV]X:M Tm-Q+)O2aFNtjL "t[COa+/M!,{mf7METzd[hX8M/7RPZ.nI9 WC29F@*=3~bF[| + } Fms|85"0(LFd-TK~N]s For more information on the unclean hands doctrine, see, Enter to open, tab to navigate, enter to select, https://content.next.westlaw.com/practical-law/document/Id4cf197ef3ad11e28578f7ccc38dcbee/Unclean-Hands-Doctrine?viewType=FullText&transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default), Practice Note, Patent Litigation: Unenforceability Defenses: Pleading Unclean Hands, Practice Note, Antitrust Affirmative Defenses: Overview: Unclean Hands, Practice Note, Remedies: Front Pay in Employment Discrimination Cases: Unclean Hands. AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES First Affirmative Defense (Unclean Hands) 39. Mains v. City Title Ins. XAYaO>%rHWCZf)9o||Da txX]AsAL*.ji~;)#9C2u^jw-K,w}s1!&C%f('` h 3rd he rented the house to another party, the Bovets. Show Less. View Vail Laws complete litigation and legal risk management checklist or contact us to discuss your claims in detail. . If formal discovery has been conducted and you possess the relevant evidence, you may seek a summary judgment by way of a motion. San Mateo: 951 Mariners Island Blvd., Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94404; Scottsdale: 6730 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 230, Scottsdale, AZ 85253; Tulsa: 8801 S. Yale Ave., Suite 250, Tulsa, OK 74137 Civil Code section 3517 states that "No one can take advantage of his own wrong." Here at Cueto Law Group, we specialize in Florida contract law and have developed a contract review checklist to help you determine if you have a case. For example, if a seller sues a customer for payments on a contract, defendant may claim plaintiff has unclean hands because he fraudulently induced him to sign the contract. And even where a finding of unclean hands is factually established, a court may still refuse to apply the doctrine if a manifest injustice will result. The maxim protects the integrity of a court. The doctrine is often stated as "those seeking equity must do equity" or "equity must come with clean hands". [1c] The facts do not reveal that Robert has had unclean hands with respect to Brandie. Code, 4600, subd. "The doctrine of clean hands is an equitable defense which prevents recovery where the party seeking relief comes into court with unclean hands." Ray v. Norris, 78 N.C. App. Federal law preempts some or all of Plaintiffs' claims asserted under state Case 2:07-cv-13164-ADT-DAS Document 9 Filed 09/14/2007 Page 8 of 10 Ninth Affirmative Defense (Unclean Hands) 41. unclean hands. See, e.g., Hollander v. Zito, No. The unclean hands defense can be used to protect the rights of businesses, consumers, and the court system's honor and integrity. Let True Legal Group help you get the compensation you deserve. Accordingly, relief is not denied because the plaintiff may have acted improperly in the past or because such prior misconduct may indirectly affect the problem before the court." Our employment attorneys and legal experts have successfully handled all types of labor and employment lawmatters for many employees statewide. Unclean hands, also referred to as the clean hands or dirty hands doctrine, is a type of legal doctrine that operates as a defense to a complaint. This article is part of Vail Laws open-source litigation and legal risk management checklist. Third Floor 8 10415.00002/53340 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Tel: (310) 566-9800 Fax: (310) 566-9884 *pro hac vice Attorneys for . See DeBurgh v. At Brown & Charbonneau, LLP, we represent clients from throughout California, including: Orange County, Los Angeles, Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Beverly Hills, Anaheim, El Toro, Laguna, Mission Viejo, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Temecula, Riverside, San Clemente, Corona, Costa Mesa, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, San Bernardino, and Inland Empire. 3d 115] inconceivable, for example, to take Brandie from Candie and not allow visitation had Candie been the adult and Robert the parent who was under the age of consent at the time of conception. This motion would be filed as a dismissal motion for failure to prove a necessary element of a claim or after you've proven that you have not engaged in any wrongful conduct. By Donald L. Swanson "The purpose of the unclean hands doctrine is not to protect the defendant - it is to protect the court from becoming an aider and abettor of iniquity." Baek v. Halvorson (In re Halvorson), 581 B.R. Candie argues that Robert has technically admitted to statutory rape by acknowledging fatherhood, therefore coming before the court with unclean [157 Cal. An apparent consent is not real or free when obtained through fraud. The court ordered the tests performed. fn. In re BRANDIE W., a Minor. 379, 384, 337 S.E.2d 137, 141 (1985). Furthermore, the unclean hands defense usually has nothing to do with the moral character of the other party. The doctrine of unclean hands has long been part of the U.S. law operating under the maxim: "those seeking equity must do equity." In other words, a party asking for equitable relief must come with clean hands. Court of Appeals of California, Fifth Appellate District. In her arguments below, Candie cited as authority for her position a case from New York. Everything You Need to Know About the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This is a matter of protocol, characterised by A. P. Herbert in Uncommon Law by his fictional Judge Mildew saying (as Herbert says, "less elegantly"), "A dirty dog will not have justice by the court". Sign up to our monthly newsletter for useful articles, tips, and tricks for boosting your credit score. 3d 112] the complaint, the district attorney alleged that Robert was the father. Therefore, any bias, if indeed any was present, was harmless. Should you be accused of wrongdoing and feel you have not engaged in any transgression, your attorney can file a motion to dismiss for unclean hands. Unclean hands, also referred to as the clean hands or dirty hands doctrine, is a type of legal doctrine that operates as a defense to a complaint.3 min read. New September 2003 This legal doctrine can seem complicated, but it is designed to protect the legal system's integrity and prevent a party from using the courts to gain an unfair advantage over another. . What Does It Mean to Be Party to a Lawsuit. App. F002944. Sign up for our free summaries and get the latest delivered directly to you. <>stream (Womack v. Womack (1966) 242 Cal. 1. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Apparently, through some form of investigation, plaintiff in this instance is not the title holder or owner of the money. The determination that a party has unclean hands under this second Civil Code section is also a matter of judicial discretion. Thereafter, the court found Robert to be Brandie's natural father and ordered Robert to pay support payments. [3][4] In other words, 'unclean hands' can be used offensively by the plaintiff as well as defensively by the defendant. We work around the clock to provide legal services to employment victims that are experiencing damages as a result of their employer throughout the state of California. Has the party in question not performed under the terms of the contract? If the defendant brings the unclean hands defense, then the plaintiff could also be found to have unclean hands even if that conduct isnt identical to the wrongful conduct that the defendant engaged in. He now stands ready to assume the full responsibility of fatherhood. Unlike most legal doctrines, its aim is not to aid the search for truth, or even promote justice for the. 94.) Finally, she argues that Robert's motion should have been dismissed due to his failure to submit in a timely manner his points and authorities to the court. The doctrine of after-acquired evidence refers to an employer' s discovery, after an allegedly wrongful termination of employment or refusal to hire, of information that would have justified a lawful termination or refusal to hire. The Defendant has the burden to prove that the Plaintiff is not acting in good faith, or that his hands are unclean. (See, e.g.,San Diego County Dept. 3d 1021, 1025 [199 Cal. the trial court draws conclusions of law, [the scope Everything You Need to Know. 4+@r0U4(NvAESln PKX0id/jza!D4;@Y 4sg1%x:[;C`r$UY[vYyhh6)R4W 4JC%%NY2K. She argues that the common law clean hands doctrine, as codified in yet another section of the Civil Code, may be applied to child custody cases not involving jurisdictional disputes. A legal doctrine is a defense to a complaint that states that a party who is asking for a judgment cannot have the help of the court if he/she has done anything unethical in relation to the subject of the lawsuit. Rather, it is specific conduct. Proc., 475.) App. }CbU{3[])'|f7cZoVk Y=a3ik{&5 nG$]s[WU&oliJO3;CxI 336 (b); Pacific Hills HOA v. Collins and Flowers, who jointly owned their residence, had passed away. The Should a business try to sue you for a breach of contract, then the doctrine of unclean hands could be one of many defenses to breach of contract that you could use to defend yourself. It was later stipulated that both parties would submit to blood tests to determine if Robert was "medically excluded from the possibility of paternity" of Brandie. The defendant has the burden of proof to show the plaintiff is not acting in good faith. [3] "[N]ot every wrongful act nor even every fraud prevents a suitor in equity from obtaining relief. A complaint against Robert was filed in the Superior Court of Fresno County. ("In California, the doctrine of unclean hands may apply to legal as well as equitable claims and to both tort and contract remedies." (internal citation omitted)). 2013 a federal district court in California dismissed a borrower's complaint concerning a . If error, such defect is also harmless. or contact us to discuss your claims in detail. The Doctrine of Unclean Hands Two wrongs do not make a right. True Legal Group is a leading employment law office practicing throughout the state of California and has been partners with the nations largest and most prominent employment law firmsrepresenting only employees. As part of your answer, a list ofaffirmative defensesshould be included. We stand up for your right to fair treatment at work. Although the unclean hands doctrine is typically an affirmative defense asserted by a defendant, it may also be asserted by a plaintiff in opposition to an equitable defense such as estoppel. The LaCroix court expressly disagreed with the Hines decision in refusing to dismiss the putative father's case. If a defendant does use this defense, he or she cannot put the plaintiffs conduct at issue that is unrelated to the complaint. 1 Department of Public Works and Highways vs. Ronald E. Quiwa, doing business under the name "R.E.Q. This defense is an affirmative defense that can be used by defendants; however, keep in mind that the defendant must prove the defense in order for the complaint to be dismissed. Mains v. City Title Ins. Welfare v. Superior Court (1972) 7 Cal. [Technorati J64A92HRG74M] The rule is sometimes stated those seeking equity must do equity or equity must come with clean hands. However, if the plaintiff acted in bad faith when initially drafting the contract, then the defendant can raise the unclean hands defense, among other potential defenses. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP. App. The unclean hands doctrine, sometimes referred to as the clean hands doctrine, is a principle in which a party who acted unethically or in bad faith in his or her prior conduct with respect to the subject of the complaint is unable to obtain an equitable remedy by virtue of such conduct. #sfd ?Ta8pa!\`2eP-EipK+D8NR=O0"BQ@Y1dzA/i'+BF{p:_ iu%`.7y~Tk~RhK/Im"^H]e/2ro"@&h Therefore, plaintiffs unrelated corrupt actions and general immoral character would be irrelevant. Shaw contends that the jury's verdict that he came into court with unclean hands is defective. The legal definition of the clean hands doctrine states that a party seeking to enforce a contract or seeking equitable relief must demonstrate that they are not guilty of any wrongdoing or misconduct. Although Candie fails to cite these cases in her appellate brief, we will discuss their bearing on the issues on appeal because the trial court squarely confronted the split in authority which they represent. [T]o establish an unclean hands defense, a defendant must show that " (1) a party seeking affirmative relief (2) is guilty of conduct involving fraud, deceit, unconscionability, or bad faith (3) directly related to the matter in issue (4) that injures the other party (5) and affects the balance of equities between the litigants." . App. Posted on Jan 4, 2017. In a recent California 3rd District Court of Appeal decision, it was used against a party who was not following the advice of his attorney when he tried to set aside a forged deed. The unclean hands doctrine applies to cases where the plaintiff has acted unethically in connection to the circumstances that have led to the suit. [5], This article is about the figure of speech in a law-based context. Second, Candie contends that Robert is not a parent within the meaning of Civil Code section 4600 and section 4601. Furthermore, an attorney can help identify if you have any other defenses available to you. Should I Hire A Credit Repair Company or Do It Myself? Sign up for our monthly newsletter for legal updates, information about our services, tools and tips for your case, and more. 1941) The Fundamental Principles or Maxims of Equity, 399, p. The wrongful conduct may be of a legal or moral nature, as long as it relates to the matter in issue. (b).). He netted $175,000 from the loan, and there was no evidence that Darcy knew the original deed had been forged. Civ. Such relief is usually sought in the form of specific performance, or an injunction. First, she argues that because Robert is technically an admitted statutory rapist attempting to benefit from his wrongdoing, the court should have applied the unclean hands doctrine for either of two purposes: (1) dismissal for lack of jurisdiction; or (2) for a plaintiff's judgment. You're all set! Want High Quality, Transparent, and Affordable Legal Services? Hire the top business lawyers and save up to 60% on legal fees. If you need help learning more about the unclean hands doctrine, or if you are involved in a contractual dispute and need legal assistance and help identifying whether or not this defense is available, you can post your legal need on UpCounsels marketplace. "These are some of the dirtiest hands we have seen."California's Second District Court of Appeals wasn't talking about in In re the Marriage of Boswell was not referring to literal dirty hands, but about the family law doctrine of "unclean hands," a principle that in this case cost a divorced spouse more than $92,000 in unpaid child support. The Defendant can argue that the Plaintiff has no grounds to obtain relief because he has acted unethically or in bad faith with respect to the subject of the complaint. What You Should Know About Identity Theft. To Idallege the defense of unclean hands, the defendant must plead: (1) misconduct by the plaintiff that amounts to fraud or bad faith, (2) made toward the defendant, and (3) related to the subject matter of the litigation. 0. The doctrine of unclean hands is available only for claims that involve some sort of equitable form of relief, which is a relief in which the court will require the defendant to perform an action of some kind. If a person has committed a wrongful act and seeks to use the court to gain an advantage over the other party, the court may refuse to hear the case. Elijahs son Joseph forged their signatures on a deed granting the property to McIntyre. There is a legal doctrine called "unclean hands." "[Un]Clean hands, sometimes called the clean hands doctrine or the dirty hands doctrine, is an equitable defense in which the defendant argues that the plaintiff is not entitled to obtain an equitable remedy because the plaintiff is acting unethically or has acted in bad faith with respect to the subject of the complaintthat is, with . Darcy borrowed over $175,000 against the property. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship. Law360 (March 7, 2019, 1:47 PM EST) --. She posits several theories in support of her position. The unclean hands doctrine typically applies only to equitable claims such as requests for injunctive relief or specific performance, but some jurisdictions permit it as a defense to legal claims as well. Only if the plaintiff engaged in wrongful conduct relating to the contract can the unclean hands defense be used. Fighting for Your Rights is What We Do! The respondent could challenge the granting of the remedy because the petitioner had acted improperly or unfairly, hence "unclean hands." . Candie's argument that Robert, the acknowledged natural father of Brandie, is not a "parent" within the meaning of Civil Code sections 4600 and 4601 is wholly without merit. The doctrine of unclean hands is an affirmative defense that "prevents one who has engaged in improper conduct regarding the subject matter of the cause of action, to pursue the claim at issue." Sender v. Mann, 423 F. Supp. This case presents no exception to the general rule that application of the doctrine of unclean hands is a question of fact. Indeed, it is questionable if the clean hands doctrine has any application to the facts before us. However, in this case, the party using the defense must show that the other party's conduct has harmed them and that they have not engaged in any wrongful conduct themselves. 3d 114] position. San Jose Office. He. We are client focused and want to hear your situation in order to provide a compassionate and responsive answer to your situation. Our own research has likewise been unfruitful. Andre then brought this probate action to settle the Flowers estate and quiet title, three years after he started his rampage by recording the mechanics lien. Heres Why. White Wave's purported claims for relief are barred in whole or in part by the doctrine of unclean hands. Eighth Affirmative Defense (Waiver) 40. The parties then stipulated that Robert was Brandie's natural father. Ask Your Own Family Law Question. The clean hands doctrine, also called unclean hands, is a defense to a claim for equitable relief, typically an injunction. Unclean Hands Doctrine An equitable defense that bars relief to a party who has engaged in inequitable behavior (including fraud, deceit, unconscionability or bad faith) related to the subject matter of that party's claim. Rptr. Specifically, the plaintiff could argue that the defendant isnt entitled to another type of defense due to his or her unclean hands. Whats the Difference Between Disputing, Verification, and Validation? The elements of the defense of unclean hands are: (1) Plaintiff is guilty of conduct involving fraud, deceit, unconscionability, or bad faith; (2) This conduct by plaintiff directly relates to the matter at issue; (3) This conduct injured the defendant; and. We have helped hundreds of families through our dedicated employment law practice. Thus, if a defendant can show the plaintiff had unclean hands, the plaintiffs complaint will be dismissed or the plaintiff will be denied judgment. 3d 1, 9 [101 Cal. The court reasoned that the basis of the suit was the result of the father's wrongdoing because the mother was only 14 or 15 years old when she became pregnant. See Munaf v. Geren, 553 U.S. 674, 693 (2008). Historically, the doctrine of unclean hands can be traced as far back as the Fourth Lateran Council. (Pon v. Wittman (1905) 147 Cal. California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115 (a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115 (b). (4) This conduct affected the balance of equities between the litigants in such a way that, in light of plaintiffs conduct, plaintiff should not be permitted any remedy against defendant in equity. Doctrine of Primary or Exclusive Jurisdiction; Doe Defendant Is Liable; . 231].) The doctrine is often stated as those seeking equity must do equity or equity must come with clean hands.. 1999)). 3d 1, 19 [112 Cal. (Id, at p. Proc. True Legal Group makes donations to various non-profit groups on a weekly basis. "He who comes into equity must come with clean hands" is an equitable maxim in English law. That [ name of plaintiff] and [name of defendant] have substantially equal economic strength; 2. 3d 113] hands. But the case fell apart on the grounds of "unclean hands," an allowable defense used to restore equity in cases where the plaintiff may lack a sense of irony. 2d 675, 728-729 [39 Cal. Typically the burden of proof rests with the person who is being . A court of equity will not decide issues of fairness and justice if it is shown that the person asking for such justice has acted wrongly in regard to the issue at hand. Andre, another son and Josephs half brother, then proceeded to seize control of the house, as follows: 1st- he recorded a mechanics lien for $75,000, though he was neither a contractor nor gave notice of the lien, making it defective; Only use unclean hands when you haveevidencethat the other side in your lawsuit has done something illegal or immoral during the course of suing you or defending against a lawsuit brought by you. http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlejohncollection/4323489252/sizes/m/in/photostream/ You already receive all suggested Justia Opinion Summary Newsletters. Unclean Hands Doctrine An equitable defense that bars relief to a party who has engaged in inequitable behavior (including fraud, deceit, unconscionability or bad faith) related to the subject matter of that party's claim. (Mendoza v. Ruesga (2008) 169 Cal.App.4th 270.) The clean hands doctrine is a rule of law that someone bringing a lawsuit or motion and asking the court for equitable relief must be innocent of wrongdoing or unfair conduct relating to the subject matter of his/her claim. Everything You Need to Know About Wage Garnishment, The Best Personal Loans if You Have Bad Credit, The Difference Between a Secured Credit Card and a Credit Builder Loan, Why You Should Stay Far, Far Away From Payday Loans, How to Write a Friend or Family Personal Loan Agreement. (Unclean Hands) Plaintiff and the purported aggrieved employees come to this Court with unclean hands, and are therefore barred from recover under this Complaint, or any cause of action therein. California Court Applies Unclean Hands Doctrine to Bar Wrongful Discharge Claim of Undocumented Worker. That [ name of plaintiff] was not compelled by economic pressure to engage in the harmful conduct. "The doctrine of unclean hands is unique to equity and has no analog at law. And while frequently I have seen courts rightfully, enforce orders, judgments and agreements, I have rarely seen courts cite the doctrine as a basis for the decision, even when I have briefed it. 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Employment Disputes & Wrongful Termination, Defamation (Libel, Slander, False Light, Invasion of Privacy), Common types of Business Litigation in California. Can the "doctrine of unclean hands" be used in family court as a way to render a fraudulent back child support judgment as unenforceable in Arizona? We Represent Employees Against the Wrong Doing of their Employer! Copyright 2023 | Cordus Partners, LLC | All Rights Reserved, Follow These 7 Steps Before Paying an Old Debt. Should you have a case, please consult with our employment law firm 7 days a week for a free legal consultation. She named Robert as Brandie's father. The same thing applies to your family law case. How Long Will It Take for Me to Build Credit? bottom of page . [Crim. hXr)}D#4fDWjClAE*7_ (KLw9w;|xP]+O'>zI$#_0IJ?+V7#fo.&5Fr9}5?B_F"""!/0e!m;38>|wt8O~Pf!z~b(9x"{'O^8qEt>$yU}Jtk-}QjUZaL4gG/r0%~w?)g;:s)ntZJWHN[Wgy)OW_?? 0FY$ta3E+KsR7 vfwT`6q 0?ggxPk?7Kq8#YPbj5P5;#*`]z)t`pTO(vQN1+)PsZSV']]SY2juS: Show More. Contact the Orange County Business Litigation Attorneys at Brown & Charbonneau, LLP for a consultation of your legal case. ?yW Defendant, Robert D., is the father of Brandie W., a minor. Some examples that could be used for this defense include the following: 2. We have significant trial experience if your case should go to court and our employment law practice is well respected by our peers and opponents. Any unconscionable conduct that relates to the transaction may give rise to the defense of unclean hands and bar relief. FN 1. 984].) However, our research revealed that to date Popenhager has never been cited by another court for its application of the doctrine. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. In ourHow to Answer a Lawsuitarticle, we discussed how to answer the complaint orlawsuitthat was presented to you. When Can You Use the Unclean Hands Defense? McIntyre deeded the property to Darcy. Rptr. It is a defense to equitable remedies- remedies that are other than the payment of money. Has the party in question engaged in any fraudulent act? The clean-hands doctrine is the principle that a party's own inequitable misconduct precludes recovery based on equitable claims or defenses.The doctrine requires that a party act fairly in the matter for which they seek a remedy. However, such a defense cant be used in cases that result in legal damages, i.e., monetary awards. Published By Law Office of James J. Falcone, experienced Sacramento and Placer real estate lawyer, In Estates of Augustus Collins and Elijah Flowers v. Darcy, Doctrine of Merger in California Real Estate Owning adjoining parcels may eliminate an easement on one, but not always, Asessor Parcel Numbers (APN) Cannot Always be relied on in Legal Descriptions the Rules Involved, Easements for Road Use When the Owner Can Can Make Improvements on the Unused Portion of the Easement. <>stream ( Salas v. Sierra Chemical Co. (2014) 59 Cal.4th 407, 428 [173 Cal.Rptr.3d 689, 327 P.3d 797].) The clean hands doctrine is a rule of law that someone bringing a lawsuit or motion and asking the court for equitable relief must be innocent of wrongdoing or unfair conduct relating to the subject matter of his/her claim. App. See Unilogic, Inc. v . The doctrine is intended to prevent a party from taking advantage of its wrong.