Ethics are the moral principles and values that govern the actions and decisions of an individual or group. They serve as guidelines on how to act rightly and justly when faced with moral dilemmas. Ethics deal with personal moral principles and values.
Laws are society's values and standards that are enforceable in the courts.
There are numerous situations described in the text where judgement plays a large role in defining ethical and legal boundaries. Very often, actions that are legal could be viewed as unethical and sometimes actions considered to be ethical may not be seen as legal. CurrentPerceptions of Ethical Behavior American consumers and even business people have serious concerns about the ethical environment in the united states. Increased pressure on business people to make decisions in a society characterized by diverse value systems. Growing tendency for business decisions to be judged publicly by groups with different values and interests.