What is the principle that states a party cannot benefit from their own wrongdoing in a contract?

The principle that states a party cannot benefit from their own wrongdoing in a contract is known as "ex turpi causa." This legal doctrine denotes that a person cannot pursue a legal remedy if it arises in connection with their own illegal or immoral act. Essentially, it emphasizes that the law will not assist a person in obtaining a benefit from wrongdoing, thereby preventing them from gaining an advantage by virtue of their own misconduct.

In the context of contracts, this principle reinforces fair dealings and upholds the integrity of the legal system by ensuring that those who engage in unethical behavior are not rewarded for it. For example, if two parties enter into a contract to engage in illegal activities, one party cannot claim damages resulting from a breach of that contract because their claim is tainted by the illegal nature of the agreement.

The other options represent different legal principles that do not specifically address the issue of benefiting from one’s own wrongdoing in a contractual context. "Unclean hands" relates to the idea that a party cannot seek equitable relief if they have engaged in unethical behavior concerning the subject of the lawsuit. "Res judicata" pertains to the finality of judgments and preventing re-litigation of cases already decided. "Nullum crimen sine lege" asserts that no one can be