1. CHAPTER ONE ETHICS MUSOLINO SUNY CRIMINAL & BUSINESS LAW

2. 1-2 Learning Objectives 1. Define law and morality. 2. Distinguish between natural law and positive law. 3. Explain ethical relativism. 4. Describe the social contract theory. 5. Outline the steps in applying utilitarianism. 6. Define rational ethics.

3. 1-3 Learning Objectives (cont.) 7. Identify the ethical character traits reflected in role model ethics. 8. Outline the arguments supporting social responsibility. 9. Explore the need for law in our society. 10. Clarify how the law and ethics are usually in harmony with one another.

4. 1-4 The Law and Morality The Law  consists of rules of conduct established by the government of a society to maintain harmony, stability, and justice

5. 1-5 Question? What defines the legal rights and duties of the people? A. Ethics B. Values C. Morals D. Law

6. 1-6 The Law and Morality The Law  defines the legal rights and duties of the people  provides a way to protect the people by enforcing these rights and duties  a means of civil management

7. 1-7 Question? What are values that govern a society’s attitude toward right and wrong? A. Morals B. Ethics C. Societal values D. Law

8. 1-8 The Law and Morality Morals  values that govern a society’s attitude toward right and wrong and toward good and evil  serves as a guide for those bodies that make, interpret, and enforce the law

9. 1-9 Values and Ethics Ethics  the attempt to develop a means of determining what fundamental values ought to be and for formulating and applying rules that enforce those values

10. 1-10 Question? Which theory says that human intuition will always give rise to positive moral laws? A. Natural law B. Positive law C. Law of humanity D. Law of peoples

11. 1-11 Natural Law Theory Natural law  sees law as originating from some objective, superior force that stands outside the everyday experience of most people  exists an unbreakable link joining morality to the law inn a fundamental way

12. 1-12 Positive Law Theory Positive Law  legal theory that says that the law originates from an outside source that has emerged from within society  social institutions

13. 1-13 Positive Law Theory Law of Peoples  human intuition will always give rise to positive moral laws that are global in scope  common to everyone

14. 1-14 Question? Which ethical theory calls for the greatest good for the greatest number? A. Totalitarianism B. Utilitarianism C. Unilateralism D. Multiplicity

15. 1-15 Ethical Theories Ethical relativism  there are no objective or absolute standards of right and wrong  standards change from circumstance to circumstance  also called subjective ethics

16. 1-16 Question? Which ethical theory calls for individuals to give up certain freedoms? A. Ethical relativism B. Social contract theory C. Situational ethics D. Utilitarianism

17. 1-17 Ethical Theories Situational ethics  argues that each of us can judge a person’s ethical decisions only by initially placing ourselves in the other person’s situation  encourages people to look at others with tolerance and patience

18. 1-18 Ethical Theories Social contract theory  holds that right and wrong are measured by the obligations imposed on each individual by an implied agreement among all individuals within a particular social system  people must give up certain freedoms

19. 1-19 Ethical Theories Utilitarianism  the morality of an action is determined by its ultimate effects  Greatest good for the greatest number

20. 1-20 Ethical Theories Rational ethics  ethical values can be determined by a proper application of human reason  Should establish universal rules of behavior that apply to all people at all times  Also called objective ethics

21. 1-21 Question? What encourages people to pattern their behavior after admirable individuals? A. Transformational ethics B. Charismatic ethics C. Role-model ethics D. Role play ethics

22. 1-22 Ethical Theories Role model ethics  encourages people to pattern their behavior after admirable individuals whose activities provide examples of the proper way to act  Provides concrete examples of how to behave

23. 1-23 Ethical Characteristics

24. 1-24 Ethical Character Traits Honesty Compassion Integrity Fairness

25. 1-25 Social Responsibility in the Business Sector The traditional view of corporate culture says that privately owned corporations are created solely to make a profit for their shareholders The foremost job of any manager is to maximize profits

26. 1-26 Reasons for Social Responsibility Corporation offers limited liability to owners Corporation is considered an artificially created person Corporation can own property and bring lawsuits

27. 1-27 Reasons for Social Responsibility Because corporations have these rights they owe an obligation to the public to act responsibly Decisions of corporate managers should not be narrowly focused on profits Accepting social responsibility is in the long-term interest of the corporation

28. 1-28 Efforts to Promote Social Responsibility Statutes now permit managers to consider factors other than profit in making decisions  Economic well-being of the nation, the state, and the local community  Interests of employees, consumers, and suppliers  The betterment of the environment, the economy, and the overall social structure

29. 1-29 The Relationship Between Law and Ethics The law is needed because, although people know better, they do not always follow ethical principles Ethical principles can tell us what is right, but cannot stop us from doing wrong The law can punish us if we choose to do wrong