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Contracts

void for illegal purpose

An attempt to contract for an illegal purpose—to commit a murder or other crime or to facilitate an illegal objective (a promissory note for the purchase of illegal drugs)—is unenforceable and does not create a contract. A purported contract that is found to be for an illegal purpose is void and treated as if it never existed.

In Maine, as in all states, a contract that is created for an illegal purpose is considered void and unenforceable. This means that if a contract's objective is to commit a crime, such as murder, or to facilitate an illegal activity, such as the purchase of illegal drugs, the law treats the contract as if it never existed. Maine's legal system, in line with general contract law principles, does not recognize any agreement that requires the performance of an act that violates the law. Such contracts are against public policy and, therefore, cannot be legally upheld or enforced by the courts. If a purported contract is found to have an illegal objective, no legal action can be taken to enforce the terms of the contract, and the courts will not assist in resolving disputes arising from it.

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Contracts

void for illegal purpose

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Maine State Code

Maine State Code

Contracts

void for illegal purpose

Articles