moral turpitude

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.

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.