Contract Law: Illegality and Public Policy

Episode Summary: Contract Law and Public Policy

Join us this week on American Law Café as we delve into the complexities of contract law and public policy. This episode highlights key principles that govern the enforceability of agreements, focusing on illegality, exculpatory clauses, non-compete agreements, and family law.

• Illegality in Contracts: Explore why courts reject enforcement of illegal agreements, with examples like Sinnar v. Le Roy (1954) and Homami v. Iranzadi (1989), where public policy left parties without recourse for losses tied to illegal activities.
• Exculpatory Clauses: Learn the limits of waivers of liability through Broadley v. Mashpee Neck Marina (2006), addressing bargaining power, clarity, and fairness.
• Non-Compete Agreements: Understand how courts assess reasonableness, as seen in Data Management v. Greene (1988), where overly broad restrictions were reformed to balance employer and employee interests.
• Family Law Agreements: Examine cases like Kass v. Kass (1998) and A.Z. v. B.Z. (2000), which highlight public policy considerations in sensitive reproductive and family matters.
• Parental Obligations and Public Policy: Dive into Wallis v. Smith (2001), where the court ruled that claims like contraceptive fraud cannot override a parent's obligation to provide child support, reinforcing the principle that a child’s welfare comes first.

Discover how these cases reflect the evolving interplay between contract law, individual rights, and societal values. We’ll unpack the importance of clarity, fairness, and public policy in crafting enforceable agreements. Don't miss this engaging episode!

 Introductory Music for American Law Cafe. In Jazz Short by moodmode / Vlad Krotov.