As a professional, I have come across various legal terms and issues. One such issue is the responsibility of both parties in an illegal agreement. According to the legal principle, if both parties are equally responsible for an illegal agreement, the contract is considered null and void. This principle is referred to as the “doctrine of in pari delicto.”

The term “in pari delicto” is a Latin term which translates to “in equal fault.” It refers to a situation where both parties involved in an agreement are equally responsible and at fault for committing an illegal act. In such cases, the court holds that both parties` actions are equally culpable and that neither party can enforce the contract legally.

In the U.S., this legal doctrine is similar to the concept of “unclean hands,” which is a defense that can be raised in a civil lawsuit. The doctrine of in pari delicto is employed primarily in cases where the parties involved in the agreement have participated in illegal activities, such as fraud, bribery, or other criminal acts.

The doctrine of in pari delicto applies to illegal agreements in which both parties are responsible for the illegal act. In such cases, neither party can enforce the contract legally. The court holds that the parties are equally responsible for the illegal act committed, and, therefore, neither party can seek legal protection.

It is important to note that the doctrine of in pari delicto does not apply in cases where one party is not responsible for the illegal act committed. If one party is unaware of the illegal act or is coerced into agreeing to it, then that party may be able to seek legal protection.

In conclusion, the doctrine of in pari delicto is a legal principle that applies when both parties are equally responsible for an illegal agreement. It prevents either party from enforcing the contract, and neither party can seek legal protection. It is essential to understand this principle to avoid entering into illegal agreements and to protect oneself from the legal consequences of such agreements.