ABSTRACT

In studying public ethics, the concern is about what should be done, what should be the correct behavior expected of public officials, what acknowledged code of ethics should be followed, what public officials should know instinctively is right or wrong. What now passes as acceptable conduct can be judged or measured against an ideal, an absolute good, or against what experts profess are best practices based on such criteria as public interest, universal good, beneficial outcome, absence of harm, social equity, communal welfare, future good, minimal evil, promotion of civic order, lack of resentment-singularly or in any combination. Subjectivity is unavoidable as the choice depends on personal values and priorities.