The bill in equity is the first step in the case, being filed even before the issuance of process upon the defendant.

A bill in equity performs a two-fold office:

(a) As a pleading, it is a statement of the complainant's case and prays relief.

(b) As an examination of defendant, it seeks a discovery of facts upon which to base a decree.

A bill in equity must contain a statement of all the facts upon which the claim for the relief sought is based. Much greater freedom in the methods of stating the facts is allowed in a bill in equity than in a common law declaration.