1. Ethics & the Law How Do YOU Decide?

2. Morality  What is Morality?  Values that govern a society’s attitude towards right and wrong  Example: Would you die for a friend?  Example: Would you kill someone to save your life?  Example: Are forms of torture used on terrorists okay?  Example: Is stem cell research okay?

3. Ethics  What are ethics?  The means for determining what a society’s values ought to be How Ethics Are Determined:  Feelings & Opinions  The Greatest Good - An action/judgement that creates the greatest good for the greatest # of people  The Golden Rule - Do unto others…

4. Ethical Character Traits  Honesty  Being open & truthful in dealing with others  Justice  Treating others fairly & equally  Compassion  Displaying sympathy to other’s difficulties  Integrity  Willingness to do the right thing

5. Relationship between Ethics & the Law  Why is law necessary?  Law is necessary because people do not always do what they should do.  Law  The system of rules of conduct established by the government of a society to maintain stability & justice  Because law is made by people it is imperfect. Even judges and legislators use personal views.  This is why ethics and laws may conflict

6. Strange Laws in Illinois  Chicago - It is forbidden to eat in a place that is on fire  Cicero - Humming on public streets is prohibited on Sundays  A car must be driven with the steering wheel

7. Strange Laws in the U.S.  A person is ineligible to become Governor of the state of Pennsylvania if he/she has taken part in a duel  In Texas, it is illegal to milk another person’s cow  In Cleveland, Ohio it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license  In Oklahoma it is illegal to catch whales

8. Strange International Laws  Australia - It is illegal to roam the streets wearing black clothes, felt shoes and carry the tools of a cat burglar  England - Picking up abandoned baggage is an act of terrorism  France - Between 8am-8pm 70% of music on the radio must be by French composers  Paraguay - Duelling is legal as long as both parties are registered blood donors