Legal vs. Ethical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
Legal pertains to laws and regulations, indicating what's permissible by law. Ethical concerns moral principles, reflecting what's right or wrong based on values.
Difference Between Legal and Ethical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Legal and Ethical are two terms that often intertwine but hold distinct meanings. Legal refers to the system of rules and regulations that a particular community or country recognizes as regulating the actions of its members. When something is legal, it adheres to established laws. For instance, in certain jurisdictions, it's legal to consume alcohol after a specific age.
Ethical, however, delves into moral principles that govern behavior. Ethical considerations might not always align with legal stipulations. While a particular action may be legal, it might not necessarily be ethical. For instance, tax avoidance is often legal but can be viewed as unethical, as it could deprive the community of necessary resources.
Legal standards are typically established by governing bodies and can result in penalties or sanctions if breached. They're concrete and have tangible consequences. Ethical standards, conversely, are more subjective and are derived from societal values, personal beliefs, or professional standards. A breach of ethical standards might not lead to legal penalties but can result in social consequences, such as damaged reputation or professional ostracism.
While legal considerations are paramount in determining the permissibility of an action in the eyes of the law, ethical considerations gauge the moral appropriateness of an action. It's essential to consider both dimensions when making decisions, as what's legal might not always equate to what's ethically right.
Comparison Chart
Foundation
Based on laws and regulations
Based on moral principles
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Consequences of Violation
Legal penalties (fines, imprisonment)
Social consequences (loss of reputation, ostracism)
Nature
Concrete and defined
Subjective and can vary
Enforcement
By governmental bodies
By societal values, personal beliefs, peer groups
Application
Uniform for everyone under the jurisdiction
Can vary based on individual or cultural beliefs
Compare with Definitions
Legal
Permitted by law.
The legal age for drinking in the US is 21.
Ethical
Adhering to accepted moral standards.
It's ethical to give credit where it's due.
Legal
Connected with the law.
He pursued a legal career, becoming a prominent attorney.
Ethical
Concerning the philosophical study of morality.
The university offers a course in ethical reasoning.
Legal
Appointed or required by law.
Every company needs a legal representative.
Ethical
Pertaining to a value system and principles of right action.
It's an ethical duty to help those in need.
Legal
Recognized by law as lawful.
They obtained legal permission to protest in the park.
Ethical
Being in accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong.
The company's ethical guidelines prohibit accepting gifts from clients.
Legal
Of, relating to, or concerned with law
Legal papers.
Ethical
Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge called ethics.
The ethical implications of cloning have sparked debates.
Legal
Established or recognized by law
A legal right.
Ethical
Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these
Ethical standards
Ethical issues in nursing
Legal
Authorized by law
The legal owner.
Ethical
(of a medicine) legally available only on a doctor's prescription and usually not advertised to the general public
All types of drugs, including ethical drugs and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals
Legal
Established legally other than by statute, as by a judicial opinion
A legal authority.
Ethical
Of, relating to, or dealing with ethics
An ethical treatise.
Legal
In conformity with or permitted by law
Legal business operations.
Ethical
Being in accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong that govern the conduct of a profession
An ethical act.
Legal
Recognized or enforced by law rather than by equity.
Ethical
Relating to or being a drug dispensed solely on the prescription of a physician.
Legal
In terms of or created by the law
A legal offense.
Ethical
Of or relating to the study of ethics.
The philosopher Kant is particularly known for his ethical writings.
Legal
Applicable to or characteristic of attorneys or their profession.
Ethical
(not comparable) Of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.
All employees must familiarize themselves with our ethical guidelines.
Legal
Acceptable or allowable under official rules
A legal forward pass.
Ethical
(comparable) Morally approvable; good.
We are trying to decide what the most ethical course of action would be.
Legal
A person who is legally authorized to live and work in a country.
Ethical
Only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.
In most jurisdictions, morphine is classified as an ethical drug.
Legal
A person or department providing legal assistance.
Ethical
An ethical drug, one only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.
Legal
A legal notice, especially an advertisement.
Ethical
Of or relating to the philosophical study of ethics;
Ethical codes
Ethical theories
Legal
Relating to the law or to lawyers.
Legal profession
Ethical
Conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior;
An ethical lawyer
Ethical medical practice
An ethical problem
Had no ethical objection to drinking
Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants
Legal
Having its basis in the law.
Legal precedent
Ethical
Adhering to ethical and moral principles;
It seems ethical and right
Followed the only honorable course of action
Had the moral courage to stand alone
Legal
Being allowed or prescribed by law.
Legal motion
Legal
Following the rules or syntax of a system, such as a game or a programming language.
If you have no legal move, but are not in check the game is a draw.
Legal
(informal) Above the age of consent or the legal drinking age.
Legal
(of paper or document layouts) Measuring 8½ in × 14 in (215.9 mm × 355.6 mm) (also legal-size).
Legal
The legal department of a company.
Legal wants this in writing.
Legal
Paper in sheets 8½ in × 14 in (215.9 mm × 355.6 mm).
Legal
(countable) A spy who is attached to, and ostensibly employed by, an embassy, military outpost, etc.
Legal
Somebody who immigrated lawfully.
Legal
Created by, permitted by, in conformity with, or relating to, law; as, a legal obligation; a legal standard or test; a legal procedure; a legal claim; a legal trade; anything is legal which the laws do not forbid.
Legal
According to the law of works, as distinguished from free grace; or resting on works for salvation.
Legal
Governed by the rules of law as distinguished from the rules of equity; as, legal estate; legal assets.
Legal
Established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules
Legal
Of or relating to jurisprudence;
Legal loophole
Legal
Having legal efficacy or force;
A sound title to the property
Legal
Relating to or characteristic of the profession of law;
The legal profession
Legal
Allowed by official rules;
A legal pass receiver
Legal
Established by law.
The legal requirements for the contract were meticulously followed.
Common Curiosities
Who determines what's legal?
Laws are typically established and enforced by governmental bodies.
Can something be legal but not ethical?
Yes, certain actions can be legal yet viewed as unethical based on moral or societal standards.
Are ethical standards the same worldwide?
No, ethical standards can vary based on cultural, societal, and personal beliefs.
Do all professions have a code of ethics?
Many professions have a code of ethics, but not all. It varies based on the industry and profession.
How are legal violations addressed?
Legal violations are addressed through the judicial system and can result in penalties.
What's the difference between a legal right and an ethical right?
A legal right is granted by law, while an ethical right is based on moral principles and might not be legally recognized.
Can a business decision be ethical but illegal?
Yes, a decision can align with moral values but contradict legal regulations.
Is it essential for companies to have ethical guidelines?
While not legally mandatory, having ethical guidelines can help a company maintain its reputation and trustworthiness.
Can ethical beliefs change over time?
Yes, ethical beliefs can evolve based on societal shifts, personal experiences, and cultural changes.
What's a legal precedent?
A legal precedent refers to a court decision that serves as an example or authority in future similar cases.
Can ethical considerations influence laws?
Yes, societal ethical beliefs can influence the creation or amendment of laws.
How do personal ethics influence professional decisions?
Personal ethics can shape one's judgment, decision-making, and actions, even in a professional setting.
Why is ethical training important in professions?
Ethical training helps professionals recognize and address moral dilemmas in their work, ensuring integrity and trustworthiness.
Is every legal decision also an ethical one?
Not necessarily; a legal decision might prioritize laws and regulations over moral principles.
Are ethical codes legally binding?
Ethical codes are not legally binding, but professionals can face consequences within their organizations or industries for violations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
