Law, Ethics and the Human conduct

Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilised social existence.

Law and ethics are two important wheels on which civilised society march forward. The former set standards of value and morality in society and it's institutions while the later seek to reinforce moral standard and deter people from deviating from the accepted norms.

Both ethics and laws try to reinforce each other. Sometimes it Is law which demand ethical conduct such as care for elderly, education and nutrition for children egg and often value mandate rule of law like justice, fairness and human right. Right to Education Act in India is an example in the case where law mandates ethical principle of equal access to quality education, food and development opportunities.

However ethical approach is very different from law

• Ethics aims at changing attitude and behaviour through education, social influence and persuasion.
• Laws are maintained by using force by state, it is often punitive i.e. if one does not respect women then he will be punished for his act.

It is often observed that lack of concurrence between law and ethics leads to conflict and unrest. This is due to the reluctance of either one to change with time and mood of the society. For example

• There is increasing moral space for LGBT group and laws does not provide them space.
• Similarly, there are strong laws for protecting women from abuse but existing values are still patriarchal.

Hence, good balance of law and ethics are needed. Good law and corrupt morality and vice-versa cannot co-exist.

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