moral turpitude

noun

moral tur·pi·tude | \ -ˈtər-pə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd \

Legal Definition of moral turpitude

1 : an act or behavior that gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard of the community

2 : a quality of dishonesty or other immorality that is determined by a court to be present in the commission of a criminal offense a crime involving moral turpitude — compare malum in se

Note: Whether a criminal offense involves moral turpitude is an important determination in deportation, disbarment, and other disciplinary hearings. Past crimes involving moral turpitude usually may also be introduced as evidence to impeach testimony. Crimes such as theft, perjury, and vice crimes have been found to involve moral turpitude.

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Dictionary Entries Near moral turpitude

moral right

moral turpitude

moratoria

Cite this Entry

“Moral turpitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/moral%20turpitude. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA