Ethics & Law Business Law
Previously… Compare federal and state court systems. Federal Jurisdiction Tiers of the Federal Court System State Court Systems Virginia’s Court System
Today’s Objectives Differentiate between ethical and legal behavior. Compare ethical practices and legal behaviors. Examine ethical dilemmas in business and in law. http://www.uscourts.gov/EducationalResources/FederalCourtBasics/CourtStructure/UnderstandingFederalAndStateCourtsCaseStudy.aspx
Morals & Ethics…
What is Morality? Involves the values or beliefs that govern a group’s ideas about right & wrong Example: religion, tradition
What is Ethics? Rules used to determine the difference between right and wrong
Who is affected by the action & how? Is it Ethical? Is the action illegal? Does the action violate norms or standards? Company policy Professional Standards Who is affected by the action & how?
What Does Ethics Come From? Ethical Principles
The Greatest Good Principle Examines whether the action will cause the greatest good for the greatest number of people The more good that results, the more “right” the action is 94 District Courts – every state has at least one, larger states may have more Judge decides the law Jury decides the facts If no jury, judge is responsible for deciding law & facts
The Golden Rule Principle “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Based on empathy Putting yourself in another person’s shoes 94 District Courts – every state has at least one, larger states may have more Judge decides the law Jury decides the facts If no jury, judge is responsible for deciding law & facts
Doesn’t mean it is right … it is “less wrong” Real-World Ethics Doesn’t mean it is right … it is “less wrong” Most people know moral rules instinctively Lying is wrong Sometimes it is “okay” to break moral rules Might be permissible to lie to save a life
Ethical Character Traits In difficult cases where moral rules and legal guidelines do not help, specific character traits become a compass you can use. Honesty: truthful in dealing with others Justice: treating everyone fairly and equally Compassion: caring about other people and their circumstances; understanding point of view Integrity: willingness and determination to do the right thing; standing up for what you believe is right
Ethics and Law Changes in ethical standards can help us make new laws or get rid of old ones. Example: desegregation
Ethical Dilemmas What will you do?!
Group: Dilemma Create Posters What is the ethical dilemma? Who is affected by it? How? What are the facts? Outcome – What would you do?