Backing out of adjunct course assignment

[ProfeNYC212]

How egregious would it be to back out of teaching one course as an adjunct three weeks before the semester starts? I have not signed a contact yet, but my course is definitely running. Thanks!

[PsyDuck90]

I'm not sure, but I imagine if students are already registered, it may cause some bad blood between you and the university. Legally, they probably can't do anything because you haven't signed a contract, but you might sour an opportunity for adjuncting there in the future.