The relationship between law and ethics has been subject to much discussion over time. Is there a common standard? Is one “stricter” than the other? Explore the relationship of law and ethics. As you do so, identify and discuss specific examples to illustrate each of the following:
- Law and ethics overlap in purpose and/or form (i.e., the law tends to enforce ethical standards or is parallel to societal ethics)
- Law is ethically neutral (i.e., law has no ethical purpose or content)
- Because law is developed through compromise, the law may actually be unethical (i.e. the purpose or effect of the law may be unethical)