Faustian Pact

/ˈfaʊstiən pækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A metaphorical or literary term describing an agreement where a party sacrifices ethical or moral standards, often for power or gain, used in legal and ethical discussions.
    The whistleblower argued that the contract represented a Faustian pact, forcing the company to abandon its ethical obligations.

Forms

  • faustian pact

Commentary

Used metaphorically in legal contexts to describe agreements involving compromise of ethics or principles; not a formal legal doctrine but valuable in ethical critique and analysis.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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