Legal Definitions - in aequali manu

IN AEQUALI MANU

In equal hand. This phrase refers to property held indifferently between two parties, as when the parties to an instrument deposit it in the hands of a neutral third person.

It means that two parties have equal control over something, and it is being held by a third party who is neutral and not taking sides.

1. Two friends deposit their money with a trusted third person to hold it until they decide how to divide it.

2. A couple going through a divorce put their shared property in the hands of a lawyer until they can agree on how to divide it.

These examples illustrate the definition because in both cases, the property is being held by a neutral third party, and both parties have equal control over it. The phrase "in aequali manu" is used to describe this situation where neither party has an advantage over the other.