The following chart provides a good summary of the difference between law and ethics. As you study this chart, I'd like to point out two critical differences. These are located in the middle of the chart. First, notice that laws are put into writing. Ethics are not initially written. They are abstract ideas of what is good and bad that are held by society and passed from generation to generation. Here's an example that was already mentioned. Lying, where did you learn that lying was wrong? Chances are you didn't read that lying was wrong, and in all likelihood, you learn that from your parents and teachers. The other thing I'd like to point out is the next item on the chart. Notice that the violation of laws involves some sort of punishment involving fines and/or loss of personal freedom. Violations of ethics, on the other hand, don't involve any formal punishment although you may not be held in very high regard by society. It might be helpful if we stop and share an example. Consider the case of a salesperson who takes the customer to lunch at a very fancy restaurant. Further, imagine that this salesperson encourages that customer to have a couple of alcoholic drinks in order to get him or her loosened up and the customer obliges. Then, the sales rep try some psychological persuasion techniques that literally catch the buyer off guard to the point they sign over an order at lunch. Is this illegal? No. There isn't any law prohibiting the salesperson from doing this. But is it unethical? Most folks would say very much so. Do you see the difference?