Maxim 6.3.7
A contract founded on a base consideration, or against good morals, is null.
Contractus ex turpi causa, vel contra bonos mores, nullus est.
Source: Hob. 167; Broom, Max. 730, 732; Dig. 2, 14, 27, 4; Code 2, 3, 6; Weisman, 24p
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
An agreement rooted in illegality or immorality confers no rights and creates no duties — the law will not enforce what it forbids.
Where this applies
- A contract to commit a crime — like hiring someone to vandalize a competitor's property — is void.
- An agreement to pay someone for covering up illegal activity is unenforceable.
Topics
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 6.3.7 — A contract founded on a base consideration, or against good morals, is null. — Hob. 167; Broom, Max. 730, 732; Dig. 2, 14, 27, 4; Code 2, 3, 6; Weisman, 24p (Contractus ex turpi causa, vel contra bonos mores, nullus est.)
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