An attempt to contract for an illegal purpose—to commit a murder or other crime or to facilitate an illegal objective (a promissory note for the purchase of illegal drugs)—is unenforceable and does not create a contract. A purported contract that is found to be for an illegal purpose is void and treated as if it never existed.
In Georgia, as in all states, a contract must have a lawful purpose to be enforceable. If a contract is made with the intent to commit a crime, such as murder, or to facilitate an illegal objective, such as the purchase of illegal drugs, it is considered void ab initio, which means it is treated as if it never existed. This principle is rooted in the public policy consideration that the law should not enforce agreements that are contrary to the interests of society. Therefore, any agreement made for an illegal purpose is not recognized as a valid contract under Georgia law, and the courts will not assist in enforcing the terms of such a contract.