 Second, offenses involving moral turpitude may be grounds to deny or revoke state professional licenses such as teaching credentials or denial of application for public notary  licenses to practice law, or other licensed profession.Third, the concept is relevant in contract law since employment contracts and sponsorship agreements often contain a "moral turpitude clause" which allow the sponsor to terminate a contract without penalty if the employee or sponsored party commits an act of moral turpitude - what sort of acts constitute "moral turpitude" can vary greatly depending on the situation and the exact terms of the contract, but the clause is often invoked in cases involving clearly non-criminal behavior and/or allegations for which there is insufficient evidence for a conviction (assuming the alleged act is even a criminal offence).Fourth, this concept is of great importance for immigration purposes in the United States, Canada (prior to 1976), and some other countries, since offenses which are defined as involving moral turpitude are considered bars to immigration into the U.S.

A conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) causes a person to be inadmissible to the United States under section 212(a)(2)(a)(i) of the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act).