Latin for Lawyers

TURPIS CAUSA

TURPIS CAUSA [L. turpis / ugly, deformed; disgraceful, shameful + causa / cause, reason; purpose; case, claim] Any conduct which is so base and immoral as to be incapable of supporting the contract, promise or commitment of another. Also, an action brought in bad faith. TURPIS CONTRACTUS An immoral promise or contract. TURPITUDE [L. turpitudo (from turpis ) / ugliness, disgrace, depravity, base ness] Business, social or sexual depravity. An immoral or base act. Anything done contrary to morality or justice. Moral turpitude , a phrase often used in stat utes or regulations to define unacceptable conduct, i.e., conduct which is intrinsically immoral or wrong or which offends the public conscience. See MORAL TURPITUDE TUTELAGE [L. tutor , tutari / to protect, watch, keep safe] To serve as guardian or protector. The protection or support of another. Guardianship. Instruction from; to serve as teacher or mentor of another. TYRRANY [L. tyrannus / an absolute ruler, a king; also, one who usurps power, a tyrant] Oppressive power exercised by one or several persons over the general pub lic. The rule of a dictator or despot. A government in which all power is vested in one ruler or cabal. A police state. An autocracy.

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