No action arises out of an immoral consideration.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A cause of action founded on an immoral or illegal consideration is void — the courts will not enforce agreements rooted in wrongdoing.

Where this applies

• A hitman cannot sue his client for failing to pay the agreed fee for a murder, because no court will enforce a contract rooted in an illegal act.
• A gambler in a state where gambling is illegal cannot sue to collect on an unpaid bet, because the underlying consideration is unlawful.
• A party to a bribery scheme cannot sue the other party for failing to deliver the promised kickback, because no action arises from an immoral agreement.