1. Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza
Morality and the Law
Definition of Morality
Moral Theories
Natural Law
Conventional Law
Morality and the Law
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza

2. Definition of Morality
A set of rules of right conduct
A system used to modify and regulate our behavior
It is a quality system in human acts by which we judge them right or wrong, good or bad
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza

3. Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza
Morality …
It builds character traits in individuals.
It is group-based in the sense that it is a set of shared rules, principles and duties applicable to a group/society and independent of religion.
It is influenced by other factors like:
Time
place
Not for Islamic
Societies…..Thank GOD 
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza

4. Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza
Moral Theories
Each group/society justifies its beliefs in the system (set of rules of right conduct) using theories- Moral Theories.
Moral theories seek to introduce a degree of rationality and rigor into moral deliberations.
The rationale for our decisions is based on moral theories
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza

5. Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza
Moral Decision Making
Moral decisions must ensure:
sound reasoning
Impartiality
These can be achieved through (4) ways:
Use of rational intuition- based on moral principles
Use of reason to achieve the highest moral good
Ability to distinguish between primary and secondary moral principles ( general to more specific)
Rational calculation of consequences of action based on the decision
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza

6. Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza
Law
Rules of conduct or actions recognized by customs or decreed by a formal body and enforceable by some instrument.
We obey two types of laws: Natural and Conventional
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza

7. Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza
Natural Law
Unwritten but universal
consists of rights:
Self-defense (preservation)
Individual property
Liberty
It is a higher form of human law, therefore, independent of human preferences and applies to all rational creatures of nature
Before organized human societies, humans existed because of natural law.
Civilization is based on it.
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza

8. Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza
Conventional Law
It is a system of rules created by and for human beings usually in public deliberations
It varies from society to society
Its purpose is to:
Protect human life, property and liberty.
Prescribe a system or punishments for unlawful acts ……… Penal Code
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza

9. Morality and the Law
Morality and the law seem to have a common purpose
NOT ALL laws are based on the morality of that society……why?
Because morality is a higher and superior system, there is
only a small area where the two overlap, and there are
many times when the two conflict.
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza