1. VALUES AND ETHICS

2. VALUES

The values held by a society are a reflection of the
things that are considered important, and they are
often reflected in the law

For example, our society values the concept of
private property. For this reason, there are many
laws designed to protect property.

The law is a reflection of the values held by the
society that makes it.

3. ETHICS

Ethics are defined as those things that a society
considers to be right and wrong.

If we act ethically, we are said to be “doing the right
thing.”

If you find a wallet in the park with $200 inside and
take it to the police station, you are acting ethically.

4. CHANGES OVER TIME

Values and ethics do not remain constant within
society.

In order for the law to remain effective, it must be
adaptable.

5. CHANGES IN AUSTRALIAN VALUES AND ETHICS
HAVE BEEN REFLECTED IN LAWS
Values/Ethics
Historically
Now
Role of women
Women were expected to
cease working once they
married
Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
(NSW) & Sex Discrimination
Act 1984 (Cth) protect
women’s rights
Capital
punishment
Was permitted and carried
out in Australia (Vic 1967)
Is illegal in all states (since
1984); banned by federal
government in 2010
Homosexuality
Individuals could be fined
or imprisoned for
“homosexual intercourse”
(Tas 1997)
Ongoing reforms to antidiscrimination, family,
taxation, welfare and
employment laws to offer
equality to same-sex
couples
???
???
???

6. DISCUSS…
Are judges
and
politicians
the best
people to
decide
whether the
law
accurately
reflects the
values and
ethics of
society?

7. HOMEWORK
•
Conduct research into a controversial area of law
reform (euthanasia, same-sex marriage,
decriminalisation of drugs, etc).
•
Write a paragraph that outlines the current laws
relating to the issue.
•
Critically analyse the laws as they stand, and
evaluate the need for law reform.