Under this maxim equity will refuse to grant any relief to anyone who has been guilty of any unlawful or inequitable conduct in the matter relative to which he seeks relief. Equity will neither aid in the consummation of inequitable acts, nor relieve against the consequences of misconduct.

17 Phillips vs. Crammond, 2 Wash.

(U. S.), 441.

18 Maina vs. Elliott, 51 Cal., 8.

19 Am. & Eng. Ency. of Law, Vol. XI, p. 189.

This maxim will be applied in divorce cases where the complainant has either been guilty of improper actions, or has used improper methods for obtaining evidence.20 A party is never entitled to equitable relief when he has been guilty of practices in the matter similar to those against which he seeks protection or redress.21