Immorality

Immorality, in point of law, is a good defence to actions and suits, and obligations and contracts made against good morals are ineffectual at law. Thus, for example, if a man gave a bond, or granted a deed, giving to a woman some annuity, with a view to induce her to live in concubinage, this would be a good defence against the bond or deed being enforced, for the law discontenances his conduct; whereas, if it were merely a bond, or a gift, in consideration of something of the same kind past and ended, the deed would be good. So the keeper of a house of ill-fame is not allowed to sue, and has no legal remedy against her guests for any sum agreed to be paid for immoral purposes.