If a general contractor contracts with an unlicensed sucontractor, what is the effect on the prime contract between owner and general?  In such an instance, the contract performance is predicated upon an illegal contract — a contract with an unlicensed subcontractor.  Does that render the entire prime contract void as against public policy?  The federal district court in Alabama wants to know the answer to that question and has certified it to the Alabama Supreme Court.  Thyssenkrupp Steel United States v. United Forming, CA 12-00297-C, UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN DIVISION, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 48643, April 4, 2013