Turpitude

Conduct that is unjust, depraved, or shameful; that which is contrary to justice, modesty, or good morals.

Moral turpitude is a term that frequently appears in statutes, especially those providing that if a witness has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, that conviction can be used to impeach his or her credibility. Similar statutes authorize revocation of a professional license for conduct involving moral turpitude.