Wilson had been licensed to practice architecture in Hawaii, but his license lapsed in 1971 because he had failed to pay a required $15 renewal fee. A Hawaii statute provides that any person who practices architecture without having been registered and "without having a valid unexpired certificate of registration . . . shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both." In 1972, Wilson performed architectural and engineering services for Kealakekua Ranch, and billed the Ranch over $33,000 for the work.
Is this a legal contract?
Would it matter if Wilson had never met the licensing requirements to be licensed in Hawaii?
Is Kealakekua Ranch required to pay Wilson anything for his work?
Is it ethical for the Ranch to refuse to pay Wilson, even if he is unlicensed?
