Explain an Agreement Opposed to Public Policy

When parties enter into a contract, it is expected that the agreement will be legally binding and enforceable. However, there are certain situations where a contract may be considered void or unenforceable. One such situation is when the contract is against public policy.

What is Public Policy?

Public policy refers to the legal principles and values that are deemed to serve the best interests of society as a whole. It is the doctrine under which courts refuse to enforce contracts that violate fundamental policies of the law. Public policy can be embodied in statutes, constitutional provisions, and common law principles.

Examples of public policy include laws and regulations that protect public health, safety, and welfare, such as environmental regulations and consumer protection laws. Contracts that violate public policy are generally considered to be illegal and unenforceable.

Agreements Opposed to Public Policy

An agreement opposed to public policy is a contract that is against the fundamental principles of public policy. Such agreements are generally considered illegal and unenforceable because they are harmful to society or undermine the integrity of the legal system.

Examples of agreements opposed to public policy include contracts that encourage illegal activities, contracts that are discriminatory, and contracts that are designed to defraud or deceive others. For example, a contract that requires a person to commit a crime or engage in illegal activities is considered to be against public policy and thus unenforceable.

Similarly, agreements that discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics are also considered to be against public policy. Such agreements violate anti-discrimination laws and are therefore unenforceable.

Finally, contracts that are designed to defraud or deceive others are also considered to be against public policy. This includes contracts that are entered into with the intent to commit fraud, such as contracts for the sale of counterfeit goods or contracts that involve false representations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, agreements opposed to public policy are contracts that violate the fundamental principles of public policy. Such agreements are generally considered illegal and unenforceable because they are harmful to society or undermine the integrity of the legal system.

If you are entering into a contract, it is important to ensure that the agreement does not violate public policy. To avoid any potential legal issues, you should consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of contract law and ensure that your agreement is legally binding and enforceable.