The term “in pari delicto” connotes a doctrine invoked by the courts to deny recovery where it is shown that a plaintiff is equally guilty or responsible for his injury with the defendant. Literally meaning “in equal fault”, the courts rely on this principle to deny a wrongdoer the benefit of a claim where it is shown that the wrongdoer’s conduct (especially illegal conduct) contributed to his damage. The doctrine is similar to the equitable doctrine of “unclean hands”, which bars recovery where the claimant is shown not to be entirely innocent.
– BBC&B