The Problem: How far can I go breaking the law?

Stewart worked as a detective for many years. Over the years he developed many sources both in government and in industry. When he retired, he decided to work for a private company involved in industrial espionage. Stewart's work involves gathering information about people such as their social security numbers, investment portfolios, bank accounts, and credit history. He carefully follows the law in obtaining his information.

One day he is asked to work on a big and difficult case. The only way Stewart can obtain the information is by having one of his contacts violate a technicality in the law. Stewart's contact provides him with the information and Stewart passes it on to his employer.

1.       Do you think Stewart did the right thing?

2.       If you do, why do you think it was right?

3.       If not, why not?

4.       Do you think Stewart would have been foolish not to use the information provided to him?

5.       Do you think the law should be followed in all cases?

6.       Do you think Stewart's contact should have refused to get the information requested?

7.       What do you see as the most important ethical value in this case?

8.       What do you see as the major ethical conflict?

On a scale of one to five, with five being the highest, give Stewart an ethical score.

 

The Problem: How far can I go breaking the law?

Stewart worked as a detective for many years. Over the years he developed many sources both in government and in industry. When he retired, he decided to work for a private company involved in industrial espionage. Stewart's work involves gathering information about people such as their social security numbers, investment portfolios, bank accounts, and credit history. He carefully follows the law in obtaining his information.

One day he is asked to work on a big and difficult case. The only way Stewart can obtain the information is by having one of his contacts violate a technicality in the law. Stewart's contact provides him with the information and Stewart passes it on to his employer.

1.       Do you think Stewart did the right thing?

2.       If you do, why do you think it was right?

3.       If not, why not?

4.       Do you think Stewart would have been foolish not to use the information provided to him?

5.       Do you think the law should be followed in all cases?

6.       Do you think Stewart's contact should have refused to get the information requested?

7.       What do you see as the most important ethical value in this case?

8.       What do you see as the major ethical conflict?

On a scale of one to five, with five being the highest, give Stewart an ethical score.