Crimes of Moral Turpitude
§ 8.1 2. Definition of Crime of Moral Turpitude
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While there is no statutory definition of crime of moral turpitude, over 100 years of case law exists determining whether a given criminal conviction is considered a CMT. The definition largely turns on the intent[1] involved in committing the criminal act,[2] and in whether the criminal act is considered malum prohibitum (bad because it is prohibited) or malum in se (bad in and of itself).[3] The gravity of the offense is often not considered relevant.[4] The definition also, theoretically, can change as time passes and social mores develop and change.[5] The offense must be a crime to be a crime of moral turpitude.[6]
[1] See § § 8.3-8.13, 8.23, infra.
[2] See § 8.19, infra.
[3] See § § 8.2, 8.22, infra.
[4] See § 8.20, infra.
[5] See § 8.21, infra.
[6] See § 8.19, infra.
