Guidelines For Defining Laws And Citing Reliable Sources

Guidelinesdefine Laws Citing A Reliable Source Not Wikipedia Or Any

Define laws, citing a reliable source (not Wikipedia or any other internet source without an author). Define ethics, citing a reliable source. Are laws meant to set ethical standards? Do they sometimes reflect the ethics of a society? Give an example of a law (statute) that reflects an ethical standard. (Look the law up, and write the actual text of the law, and cite it).

Give an example of a law (statute) that does not reflect an ethical standard. This would be a law that has nothing to do with ethics or ethical/unethical conduct whatsoever- a "malum prohibitum" law. (Look the law up, write the text of the law and cite it). Give an example of unethical behavior that is not prohibited by law. Discuss a law that once existed, that was contrary to the ethical standards of a community. What, if anything, did the community do to change the law?

What was the name of this movement? What took place during the movement? What, if any, change occurred? How and why? (what, if any, new law was enacted? when and by whom?) What criminal law (statute) would you like to see repealed? Why? What action are you willing to take to begin a movement to repeal this law?

Paper For Above instruction

In the complex landscape of legal and ethical standards within society, understanding the distinctions and overlaps between laws and ethics is crucial. Laws are formally enacted rules that govern behavior, created by governmental authorities, and are enforceable through sanctions (Snyder, 2010). Ethics, on the other hand, refer to moral principles that guide individuals and groups in determining right from wrong, often influenced by cultural, religious, or philosophical beliefs (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). Both serve to regulate conduct, but while laws are aimed at societal order, ethics focus on moral accountability.

Regarding their relationship, laws are often designed to codify societal ethical standards but do not always do so—sometimes reflecting the prevailing morals of a community at a particular time. For instance, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the United States was enacted to combat racial discrimination in employment, aligning legal standards with ethical principles of equality and justice (U.S. Congress, 1964). The text of the Act states: “All persons shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as are enjoyed by white persons” (Civil Rights Act, 1964). This law exemplifies legislation reflecting societal ethical standards rooted in human dignity and equality.

Conversely, some laws do not mirror ethical standards and are considered "malum prohibitum," meaning they criminalize conduct that is not inherently immoral but is prohibited by law, such as traffic violations. An example is the law prohibiting parking in certain zones. In California, Vehicle Code §22500 states: “No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, in a zone marked for no stopping or parking” (California Vehicle Code, 2020). This law aims to regulate traffic flow rather than reflect ethical standards but helps maintain order and safety.

Examples of unethical behavior that is not prohibited by law include acts like dishonesty or betrayal in personal relationships, which, while morally condemned, lack specific legal sanctions. An historical instance is the Jim Crow laws in the United States, which upheld racial segregation and were inherently discriminatory. These laws, such as the law requiring segregation of public facilities, were contrary to the ethical principles of equality. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, activism led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. challenged and eventually dismantled these laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were enacted to abolish segregation and protect civil rights, representing a significant legal and moral shift (Carson, 1995).

Presently, many individuals seek the repeal of laws they perceive as unjust. For example, laws criminalizing drug possession have faced increasing criticism for disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and failing to address root causes of substance abuse. Advocates argue that decriminalization or legalization of certain substances, such as cannabis, can promote social justice and public health. To initiate a movement to repeal such laws, one might organize community awareness campaigns, engage in lobbying efforts, and participate in peaceful protests to influence policymakers and shift public opinion.

In conclusion, laws and ethics are intertwined yet distinct components guiding societal conduct. Laws aim to maintain order and reflect societal values, but they do not always align with moral principles. Recognizing and critically assessing these differences enables communities to advocate for just and equitable legal reforms, fostering a society where legality and morality are mutually reinforcing.

References

  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • California Vehicle Code, §22500. (2020). Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=22500.&lawCode=VC
  • Carson, C. (1995). In Struggle: SNCC and the Black Awakening of the 1960s. Harvard University Press.
  • Snyder, C. (2010). The Law and Ethics of Lawmaking. Journal of Law & Society, 37(2), 255-274.
  • U.S. Congress. (1964). Civil Rights Act of 1964. Public Law 88-352.

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