Yes, a contract is a contract, but if it is illegal and goes against the law, it is not valid regardless if both sides agree.  This is exactly what happened in this case and the judge was spot on!  Yeah, there might be a settlement, but this situation was wrong from the start.  The LIO is the only state entity that does not have to go through the state's leasing procurement offices (except for the court system).....begs the question?!?