Agreements that go against public policy are those that are not legally binding because they violate the principles that are considered to be in the best interest of the public. Such agreements are deemed unenforceable and may even lead to legal consequences for the parties involved.
Here are a few examples of agreements against public policy:
1. Agreements that promote illegal activities
Contracts that involve illegal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, or prostitution are considered to be against public policy. These activities are harmful to society as they can lead to addiction, corruption, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
2. Agreements that restrict competition
Contracts that restrain trade or prevent others from competing fairly are considered to be against public policy. Such agreements are intended to create a monopoly or limit the choices available to consumers. These may include non-compete agreements, price-fixing agreements, or agreements that limit distribution channels.
3. Agreements that discriminate against protected classes
Contracts that discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, gender, age, or religion are against public policy. Such agreements are a breach of human rights and promote inequality. Examples of such agreements include employment contracts that require individuals to waive their rights to sue for discrimination and rental agreements that require tenants to waive their rights to reasonable accommodations.
4. Agreements that waive liability for negligent behavior
Contracts that waive liability for negligent behavior are against public policy because they absolve individuals of their responsibility to act with due care. Such agreements can put the public at risk and undermine public safety. Examples of such agreements include waivers of liability for medical malpractice or for amusement park injuries.
5. Agreements that violate consumer protection laws
Contracts that violate consumer protection laws are against public policy because they exploit consumers and limit their rights to fair treatment. Such agreements may include unfair debt collection practices, deceptive advertising, or predatory lending.
In conclusion, agreements that go against public policy are deemed unenforceable and may result in legal consequences for the parties involved. It is important for individuals and businesses to carefully review their contracts and ensure that they do not violate any public policy principles. Doing so helps protect both parties and promotes a fair and just society.