Sometimes the line between legality and ethics in making decisions or performing actions is quite challenging to observe. The difference between these two concepts is that legal standards are prescribed by legislative bodies. They determine what a person can and cannot do in relation to the law. An example of a legal standard can be considered the use of road signs that define traffic and parking rules. Failure to comply with these rules may result in a fine or punishment by government officials.
Ethical standards, in turn, do not have any legislative and state basis behind them. These standards are determined by the principles and concepts established in society, what is harmful to do and what is good (“What is the difference between legal & ethical standards”, n.d.). An example of such an action can be helping an older woman on the street. Ethically, this action will be supported, but if people do not do it, they will not face punishment from the law.
Therefore, ethical and legal actions can counterbalance each other and cause conflict. What people may consider quite normal on the part of human norms may contradict the legislation of a particular country. An example of such an action may also be the refusal to help a homeless or incapacitated person. Hence, a person can pass by such a needy individual and meet censure from others. However, by law, people are not required in such situations to necessarily provide assistance in such a situation. Not supporting a needy person is not punishable by a fine or imprisonment, but it is also considered unethical if a person does not fulfill it. In conclusion, it should be said that if people want to hold that what is legal is also ethical, they should be prepared for a significant number of other people’s opinions directed at them by others.
Reference
What is the difference between legal & ethical standards. (n.d.). Study.com. Web.