Andrea Reese
The Distinction of Ethics, Morals, and Laws
In our traditional everyday lives we have rules that are needed to be followed. If these rules are broken then there are consequences that are given to people who break these rules. In society we all live by certain standards. These standards we follow are ethical beliefs, morals, and laws to protect us in our communities.
Ethics
Ethics are defined as standard beliefs that need to be upheld by a group . For example; a group of people who are lawyers have ethical standards to uphold in the field of law. Another example is Psychiatrists. The people who are licensed Psychiatrists have ethical standards and codes to follow in order to keep the licensure of a being a Psychiatrist. The ethical codes not only protect the group of people who uphold the codes, but also protects the clients that they see in society. If the code of ethics are broken then the individual who belongs to the group will lose their license and no longer be a part of the group of that profession .
Morals
Morals are beliefs that an individual obtains in their lives . Morals are like ethics but are for each individual and not a group. For example: a lawyer who has to uphold the code of ethics for his clients may have a moral belief that does not obtain to his client. As a lawyer the individual has to put his moral beliefs aside and maintain the ethical code of conduct for his profession. The lawyer may not believe in murder should walk free, but ethically he has to defend the murder and give him the proper care as the law describes ethically.
Laws
Laws are rules that are to be followed by all induvial in society . IF the laws are not upheld then the individual will be held accountable by the court who has ethical standards to keep the laws upheld in society. Laws are put in place to keep citizens safe, and to keep structure in the society we live in. No one is above the law, and even law enforcement officers have ethical standards to uphold even if their moral beliefs differ from the law.
Blur Between Laws, Ethics, and Morals
In the legal system ethical behavior, moral beliefs, and laws can be blurred depending on the situation. A judge may need to make a decision on a court case based on law, ethics, and moral. He may not believe morally that the case should be dismissed by lack of evidence but the law states that the evidence was not proven to be enough to convict . Ethically the judge has to uphold the law no matter what his personal belief may be in the matter. The disadvantage of ethics, morals, and law being blurred is that one may trump the others even when the actions are not believed to be correct.
Conclusion
Ethics play a big role in society as well as the laws that uphold the ethical code of conduct. Morals play a role in each individuals lives every day and often are not as in high regard as the law and code of ethics. Laws that are set in place, personal moral beliefs, and ethical standards go hand in hand on today’s society. Without laws, ethics, and morals the outcome in our decisions may be different.
References
Horner, J. (2011). Morality Ethics Law. Retrieved from Introductory Concepts: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14722800
Pecorrino, P. (2009). Ethics Morals and Laws. Retrieved from Ethics: http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/Chapter%208%20Ethics/Mores_Law_Morality.htm
