CONTRA BONOS MORES
(bouvier) | CONTRA BONOS MORES. Against good morals.
2. All contracts contra bonos mores, are illegal. These are reducible
to Several classes, namely, those which are, 1. Incentive to crime. A claim
cannot be sustained, therefore, on. a bond for compounding a crime; as, for
example, a prosecution for perjury; 2 Wils. R. 341, 447; or for procuring a
pardon. A distinction has been made between a contract made as a reparation
for an injury to the honor of a female, and one which is to be the reward of
future illicit cohabitation; the former is good and valid, and the latter is
illegal. 3 Burr. 1568; 1 Bligh's R. 269.
3.-2. Indecent or mischievous consideration. An obligation or
engagement prejudicial to the feelings of a third party; or offensive to
decency or morality; or which has a tendency to mischievous or pernicious
consequences, is void. Cowp. 729; 4 Campb. R. 152; Rawle's R. 42; 1 B. & A.
683; 4 Esp. Cas. 97; 16 East R. 150; Vide Wagers.
4.-3. Gaming. The statutes against gaming render all contracts made
for the purpose of gaming, void. Vide Gaming; Unlawful; Void.
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