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 Nevada, 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. Nevada law, following general contract principles, does not recognize any agreement that involves performing an illegal act. Therefore, no legal obligations arise from such a contract, and the courts will not enforce any of its terms. This is grounded in the public policy consideration that the law should not be used to further or promote illegal activities.