P

Latin. The common law is not derogated from by the private contract of individuals. This maxim of the civil law imports, that no private bargain or arrangement between individuals can validate any contravention of the law, or render that valid and binding which the law declares to be invalid and ineffectual. Thus, an agreement not to object to an obligation for a debt incurred at gambling, does not validate the obligation or bar objection, because the fixed rule of law is that such obligations cannot be enforced. Nor, in like manner, will such an agreement validate an obligation which proceeds ob turpem causam. An ...