What is a Trust?
At that time, English law (Common Law) did not recognise any legally enforceable claim (writs) for the re-transfer of property based on such a legal relationship. If the trustee refused to transfer ownership, the previous owner (beneficiary) could not take legal action. By petitioning the Lord Chancellor (Court of Chancery), the former owner could nevertheless obtain a decision based on law and equity. This was the origin of equity jurisdiction in English law.