from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
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.