Doctrine of Unjust Enrichment

Unjust enrichment prevents retaining benefits that rightfully belong to another contrary to justice and equity

The doctrine of unjust enrichment prevents a person from retaining benefits that rightfully belong to another, contrary to justice, equity, and good conscience. A person is unjustly enriched when they receive and retain money or property that should belong to someone else, even if obtained honestly initially. The doctrine requires three elements: defendant received a benefit, at plaintiff's expense, and retention would be unjust. Courts have wide powers to grant restitution based on this equitable principle. The doctrine prevents collecting duties from both purchaser and state simultaneously, though it doesn't apply to the state itself as it represents the people.