Which of the following best defines moral turpitude?

Moral turpitude refers to conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty, modesty, or good morals. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including criminal acts or unethical actions that violate accepted societal norms. The focus is primarily on the inherent quality of the act itself and its impact on moral integrity. This standard helps determine eligibility for certain legal privileges or positions, as acts involving moral turpitude often reflect poorly on an individual's character.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of moral turpitude. For instance, defining moral turpitude as acts that promote justice and honesty, actions aligned with public welfare, or legal transactions that benefit society overlooks the fundamental idea that moral turpitude involves actions that are fundamentally wrong or unethical. Therefore, the correct definition is that which identifies activities contrary to justice, honesty, modesty, or good morals.