Definition

• Ethics define "what is good for the individual and for society and establish the nature of duties that people owe themselves and one another," according to Cornell University. Ethics as they relate to professions such as law are rules of conduct, often written, that help professionals to maintain integrity as they practice their craft.
  
  

Ethics in Law

• Ethics and the law don't always converge; many acts widely considered unethical are not illegal, such as lying or breaking a confidence. Conversely, ethical norms don't necessarily become laws. Ethics do play a part in the legal system, however, as legislators, lawyers and court officers are expected to follow professional codes of ethics. The American Bar Association, the U.S. Senate and many police departments, for example, have ethical codes that are designed to ensure fair practices.
  
  

Applications

• Legal ethics govern such areas as attorney-client relations, advocacy, public service and integrity. Codes of ethics of legislative bodies rule on such areas as gifts, expenses and post-employment activities. If you fail to comply with your profession's ethics, you may be expelled or otherwise sanctioned.