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 New Jersey, as in all 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. New Jersey courts will not enforce any agreement that requires one or both parties to engage in illegal actions. Such contracts are against public policy, and therefore, any obligations or rights that would normally arise from a valid contract do not exist in these cases. This principle is rooted in the common law and is also reflected in various statutes that govern contracts and illegal activities within the state.