Equity · claim
Unjust enrichment is a legal principle requiring a party to compensate another for a benefit conferred, when retention of that benefit would be unjust. It typically arises in situations where there is no formal agreement or where an agreement does not encompass the benefit received.
The defendant must have received a benefit or enrichment, whether in the form of money, services, or property.
What to prove: The claimant must demonstrate that the defendant gained something of value.
The benefit received by the defendant must be at the expense of the claimant.
What to prove: The claimant must show that they have suffered a loss or detriment as a result of the benefit conferred upon the defendant.
The retention of the enrichment by the defendant must be unjust or inequitable.
What to prove: The claimant must establish that it would not be fair for the defendant to retain the benefit without compensating the claimant.
The burden of proof lies with the claimant, who must establish the elements of unjust enrichment by a preponderance of the evidence.
Unjust enrichment frequently appears in exam questions involving informal agreements or benefits conferred in mistaken scenarios. Be prepared to analyze the elements and consider the applicability of defenses.