moral turpitude

Noun

 * 1) depravity
 * 2)  Any base or vile conduct, contrary to accepted morals, that sometimes accompanies a crime
 * 3) * 1959, David H. Kleiman, "Tax Evasion and Moral Turpitude", 49 Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology and Police Science 145 at 146
 * In their efforts to achieve a satisfactory definition of moral turpitude, the courts have been faced with the problem of arriving at a definition that is restrictive enough to facilitate application to a particular fact situation and yet not so broad as to distort the statutory intent. In this context moral turpitude is generally defined as a base or vile act that violates the accepted social relationship among men. This definition, however, is not completely satisfactory, and the courts generally base their decision upon the fact situation involved in the particular case. Moreover, this procedure has not been conductive to obtaining uniformity among the various jurisdictions.
 * 1) * 1988, John T. Burnett, "Attorney Discipline under DR 1-102(A)(3): Imposing Sanctions Absent a Finding of Moral Turpitude", (1988) 13 Journal of the Legal Profession 245
 * In characterizing moral turpitude, courts have consistently returned to themes traditionally associated with the concept of immorality. Typically included offenses are fraud, deceit, dishonesty, misrepresentation for the purpose of financial gain, and corruption, as well as offenses involving sexual misconduct and murder. In addition, many courts require a finding of knowledge or intent. However, the rationales which courts use to reach a finding of moral turpitude vary among the jurisdictions.
 * In characterizing moral turpitude, courts have consistently returned to themes traditionally associated with the concept of immorality. Typically included offenses are fraud, deceit, dishonesty, misrepresentation for the purpose of financial gain, and corruption, as well as offenses involving sexual misconduct and murder. In addition, many courts require a finding of knowledge or intent. However, the rationales which courts use to reach a finding of moral turpitude vary among the jurisdictions.

Usage notes
There is no strict legal definition of moral turpitude, and it can be interpreted in any number of ways. Even legal and otherwise acceptable behavior can be interpreted as moral turpitude if some party would desire it so, for example, in order to get out of a contract.