North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

Which term refers to conduct that goes against expected standards of honesty?

1. Morality

2. Moral Turpitude

3. Integrity

4. Legal Misconduct

The correct answer is: Moral Turpitude

The term that refers to conduct that goes against expected standards of honesty is "moral turpitude." This concept is used to describe actions that are inherently unethical, embodying a contrast to accepted moral standards. Moral turpitude often implies a level of depravity or corruption in an individual's actions, which is significant in contexts such as legal and professional ethics. It serves as a measure of an individual's character and can have implications for various professional roles, including notaries, as they are expected to uphold high ethical standards in their duties. In contrast, morality is a broader term that encompasses the principles governing right and wrong behavior but does not specifically refer to dishonesty. Integrity refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, which is aligned with good character rather than being a measure of dishonest conduct. Legal misconduct pertains to actions that violate legal standards or regulations, but it may not necessarily relate to underlying ethical or moral failures.