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Define: Moral Turpitude

The meaning of “Moral Turpitude” differs based on where it is used. We list many below, then combine them into one or more market-standard definitions.

How is Moral Turpitude defined in a legal contract?

  • Moral Turpitude means conduct that is inherently wrong even if there is no law prohibiting the conduct. Seen in 248 SEC filings
  • Moral Turpitude means an act that is contrary to honesty and good morals; it signifies baseness, vileness, or depravity in one's private and social duties. Seen in 30 SEC filings
  • Moral Turpitude means an act of baseness, vileness, or depravity, in one's private and social duties towards others or society as a whole, which conflicts with the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between individuals. Seen in 23 SEC filings
  • Moral Turpitude means behavior that does not comply with and is considered deviant by societal standards. Seen in 8 SEC filings
  • Moral Turpitude means conduct contrary to expected standards of honesty, morality, or integrity. Seen in 7 SEC filings
  • Moral Turpitude means conduct that possesses an inherent quality of baseness, vileness or depravity with respect to others or society in general, contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty. Seen in 6 SEC filings

Note: pulled this data out of the SEC EDGAR Database of 500,000 records from the past 22 years of filings. We regularly update this page as new filings and definitions come in.

yourself to verify these results. We are always keen to point people to source documents.

Which definition should you use?

🤔 has combined and improved the above descriptions to create market-standard 'Genie definitions' below, with guidance on which documents and which industry to use for each.

Genie Definition 1

  • Moral Turpitude means conduct inherently wrong, contrary to honesty, good morals, and societal standards.

Relevant Contract Types

Relevant Circumstances

  • When hiring employees or external service providers
  • Forming business partnerships
  • Whenever it is important to denote behavior that is not accepted

Relevant Sectors

Genie Definition 2

  • Moral Turpitude means a deviant act of baseness, vileness, depravity in personal and social responsibilities.

Relevant Contract Types

Relevant Circumstances

  • Engaging in a merger or an acquisition deal
  • Signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
  • Establishing a franchise business

Relevant Sectors

Are you creating, reviewing or negotiating a document?

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What is the most popular definition of 'Moral Turpitude'?

Moral Turpitude means conduct inherently wrong, contrary to honesty, good morals, and societal standards.

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