chapter 1 ethics and the law. defining ethics morality: the values that govern a society’s...
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How are ethical decisions made? The Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Feelings and Opinions Cultures Traditions The Greatest Good The more good that results, the more ethical the actionTRANSCRIPT
Chapter 1
Ethics and the Law
Defining Ethics
Morality: The values that govern a society’s attitude toward right and wrong.
Ethics: The means for determining what a society’s values ought to be.
How are ethical decisions made?
The Golden Rule
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Feelings and Opinions
CulturesTraditions
The Greatest Good The more good that results, the more ethical the action
Ethical Character Traits:
Honesty Allows a person to be open and truthful with other people.
Justice Allows a person to treat other people with justice
Compassion Allows a person to care for others
Integrity Allows a person to do what is right, regardless of personal consequences
What are Laws?
Rules of conduct established by the government of a society to maintain stability and justice.
Why do we need laws?
People do not always do what they ought to do
How do ethics and laws conflict? Laws are made by people who bring their own personal opinions and views on ethics and morality to the process
Sources of Law
Federal and State
Constitutions
Administrative Law
Statutes
Court Decisions
English Common Law
What is the most fundamental law?
U.S. Constitution• Fundamental rights
• Defines limits
• Describes the functions of the branches of govt.
Articles I- VIIArticles I, II, III sets the structure and powers of
branches
Article IV requires each state to give “full faith and credit” to the laws of other states
Article V explains how it can be amended (changed)
Article VI Supremacy clause (“Supreme Law of the Land”)
Article VII Provided for ratification (1787)
State ConstitutionsEach state has its own
They are not identical to federal
They often are more protective, narrow, and restrictive
Common Law (shared law) Legal systems of states have roots back to
England (except Louisiana; its roots are French)
Early courts based their decisions oncustoms and traditions; as a result creating precedent.
Stare Decisis: “Let the decision stand”
Statutory Law:
Laws specifically passed by a governing body created for that purpose
Where can statutory laws be found? (State, Federal, City Ordinances, Town Bylaws)
State
Taxes Seat belt laws School
requirements
Federal
Power to spend Regulate commerce Declare war Borrow money Set up federal courts
Court made law is also known as
o Case law
o Court decisions
o Judge-made law
Administrative Agencies (Regulatory Agencies)
A department of the government formed to administer particular legislation.
1. Make their own rules
2. Enforce their rules
3. Investigate violations of their rules
4. Decide the guilt or innocence of those who violate their rules
A court can review any decision made by an agency.