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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 3Pt. 2Ch. 4§ 1599 Partial Contract Validity

§ 1599 Partial Contract Validity

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1599 Partial Contract Validity

If a contract has both legal and illegal parts, the illegal part is thrown out but the legal part can still be used.

Key Takeaways

  • •The illegal portion of a contract is void.
  • •The legal portion can still be enforced.
  • •You can separate the bad part from the good part.

Example

A person hires a painter to paint their house and also to install a hidden room for illegal gambling.

The painter can keep the money for painting the house, but the part about the illegal gambling room is not enforceable.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1599 Partial Contract Validity

Where a contract has several distinct objects, of which one at least is lawful, and one at least is unlawful, in whole or in part, the contract is void as to the latter and valid as to the rest. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

contractdistinct objectslawfulunlawfulvoidvalid

Related Statutes

  • § 1598 Void Unlawful Contracts
  • § 1608 Unlawful Contract Consideration Void
  • § 1217 Unrecorded Instrument Validity
  • § 1451 Unenforceable Alternative Obligations
  • § 1596 Contract Object Legality

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1599.
View Official Source