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 North Carolina, as in all other states, a contract that is created for an illegal purpose is considered void and unenforceable. This means that if a contract's objective is to commit a crime, such as murder, or to facilitate an illegal activity, such as the purchase of illegal drugs, the law treats the contract as if it never existed. No legal action can be taken to enforce the terms of such a contract, and the courts will not assist in the recovery of any losses or the enforcement of any promises related to the illegal transaction. This principle is rooted in the public policy consideration that the law should not be used to further or promote illegal activities.