1. Ethics & Law
Business Law

2. Previously… Compare federal and state court systems.
Federal Jurisdiction
Tiers of the Federal Court System
State Court Systems
Virginia’s Court System

3. Today’s Objectives Differentiate between ethical and legal behavior.
Compare ethical practices and legal behaviors.
Examine ethical dilemmas in business and in law.

4. Morals & Ethics…

5. What is Morality?
Involves the values or beliefs that govern a group’s ideas about right & wrong
Example: religion, tradition

6. What is Ethics?
Rules used to determine the difference between right and wrong

7. 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?

8. What Does Ethics Come From?
Ethical Principles

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Ethics and Law
Changes in ethical standards can help us make new laws or get rid of old ones.
Example: desegregation

14. Ethical Dilemmas
What will you do?!

15. Group: Dilemma Create Posters
What is the ethical dilemma?
Who is affected by it? How?
What are the facts?
Outcome – What would you do?