- turpitude
- /tarpat(y)uwd/ In its ordinary sense, inherent baseness or vileness of principle or action; shameful wickedness; depravity. In its legal sense, everything done contrary to justice, honesty, modesty, or good morals. An action showing gross depravity. Traders & General Ins. Co. v. Russell, Tex.Civ.App., 99 S.W.2d 1079, 1084.moral turpitudeA term of frequent occurrence in statutes, especially those providing that a witness' conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude may be shown as tending to impeach his credibility. In general, it means neither more nor less than "turpitude," i.e., anything done contrary to justice, honesty, modesty, or good morals.It is also commonly defined as an act of baseness, vileness, or depravity in the private and social duties which a man owes to his fellow man or to society in general, contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between man and man.Although a vague term, it implies something immoral in itself, regardless of its being punishable by law. Thus excluding unintentional wrong, or an improper act done without unlawful or improper intent. It is also said to be restricted to the gravest offenses, consisting of felonies, infamous crimes, and those that are malum in se and disclose a depraved mind. Bartos v. United States District Court for District of Nebraska, C.C.A.Neb., 19 F.2d 722, 724.See also moral turpitude+ turpitude/tarpat(y)uwdow/ Baseness; infamy; immorality; turpitude
Black's law dictionary. HENRY CAMPBELL BLACK, M. A.. 1990.
