Illegal Contract
/ɪˈliːgəl ˈkɒntrækt/
Definitions
- (n.) A contract that is prohibited by law and therefore unenforceable in a court of law.
The court declared the agreement an illegal contract due to its unlawful subject matter.
- (n.) A contract rendered void because its terms involve criminal activity or violate public policy.
An illegal contract cannot be used to claim damages after a breach.
Forms
- illegal contract
- illegal contracts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Illegal contracts are distinct from void contracts; the former involves illegality making enforcement impossible, while the latter lacks essential elements of a valid contract.
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.