Legal Definitions - in pari delicto doctrine

The in pari delicto doctrine is a legal principle that states that when two parties are equally at fault for an illegal or unethical act, neither party can seek legal remedy against the other.

For example, if two people agree to commit a crime together and are caught, neither can sue the other for damages resulting from the crime. They are both equally responsible for the illegal act and cannot seek legal recourse against each other.

Another example would be if two companies engage in a price-fixing scheme. If one company is caught and fined by the government, they cannot seek reimbursement from the other company because they were both equally at fault for the illegal activity.

The in pari delicto doctrine is designed to discourage illegal or unethical behavior by holding all parties involved equally responsible for their actions.