its sole function was the "correction of that, wherein the law by reason of its universality is deficient." (Hoffer, supra, 11). However, the jurisdiction of equity courts steadily expanded over the centuries and its power to compel evidence, combine separate legal actions and parties, order litigants to do this or that during and after litigation "gave equity a longer reach than the common law" (Hoffer, supra, 11). Above all, Chancery Courts could do more than simply order the payment of money damages. They could, for example, abate nuisances, regulate the management of trusts and other fiduciary relationships and protect the interests of many parties too weak to protect themselves at law such as widows, orphans, prisoners, the insane, minors and foreigners. One of the most distinctive features of equity courts was their exercise of discretion. Whereas the common law courts were bound by custom and precedent, "equity retained greater flexibility than the common law. Discretion remained its hallmark." (Hoffer,
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