Legal vs Ethical
Legal and ethical are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Legal refers to acts and behaviors that follow the laws of a country, while illegal actions violate those laws. Ethical, on the other hand, is about what is morally right, which may or may not align with what is legal. This article aims to clarify the differences between legal and ethical to help people make the right choice.
Legal
Legal actions and behaviors are those that comply with the laws of a country. Laws are a set of rules and regulations designed to maintain peace and order in society and deter individuals from engaging in harmful actions. Laws are created and amended by elected representatives and enforced by law enforcement authorities. Violators of the law can be arrested and sentenced to jail.
Ethical
Ethical pertains to right and wrong in thought and conduct. The principles of morals constitute ethics, so what is moral is considered ethical, and what is immoral is considered unethical. Ethics can be subjective, and people may have differing opinions on what is ethical.
For example, in some countries, abortion has been declared legal, giving women the right to decide whether to have an abortion. However, in many religions, abortion is considered immoral and unethical. While the legality of abortion is clear, its ethical status remains a subjective matter.
Key Takeaways
- Legal actions and behaviors follow the laws of a country, while ethical actions pertain to what is morally right.
- Ethics are more subjective than laws, which are objective in nature.
- Violators of laws can face punishment, while there may be no punishment for unethical behavior, though it may be frowned upon by society.
