EC-016
Which branch of government do administrative agencies (like the EPA or FDA) usually fall under?
The Executive Branch.
What is an "Ethical Dilemma"?
A situation where you must choose between two or more actions, and there is no clear "right" answer that satisfies all moral principles.
What is the difference between a "Statute" and a "Common Law"?
A statute is a law passed by a legislature; common law is law developed by judges through court decisions.
What is "Corporate Social Responsibility" (CSR)?
The idea that a company should act in a way that benefits society and the environment, not just its shareholders.
Name one common entry-level job in the Business Law pathway.
Legal Assistant or Paralegal.
What is the primary purpose of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
To prevent unfair methods of competition and protect consumers from deceptive business practices.
What is the first step in the ethical decision-making process?
Identifying the problem or recognizing that an ethical issue exists.
Which type of law protects a business’s original logo or brand name?
Trademark Law (a subset of Intellectual Property Law).
Why might a company intentionally engage in "Greenwashing"?
To trick consumers into believing their products are environmentally friendly to increase sales without actually changing their practices.
What is the main difference between a "Compliance Officer" and a "Corporate Lawyer"?
Compliance Officers ensure the company follows internal and external rules daily; Lawyers handle legal disputes, contracts, and representation in court.
What is the "Federal Register"?
The official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations
Define "Rationalization" in the context of ethics.
Making excuses or justifying an unethical choice to make it seem acceptable (e.g., "Everyone else is doing it").
What is the purpose of "Tort Law" in a business context?
To provide a remedy (usually money) for individuals who have suffered a loss or injury due to a business's negligence or intentional actions.
How does "Corporate Culture" contribute to unethical behavior?
If leadership prioritizes profit at any cost, employees may feel pressured to cheat, lie, or cut corners to meet target
Why is "Professional Integrity" considered a core competency in this pathway?
Answer: Because these roles often handle sensitive data and must ensure the company operates within the law to avoid massive fines or reputational damage.
Explain the difference between an agency’s adjudicatory power and its rulemaking power.
Rulemaking is the power to create legislative-like regulations; adjudication is the power to conduct hearings and issue orders to settle specific disputes.
Compare the "Utilitarian" approach vs. the "Rights" approach to ethics.
Utilitarianism focuses on the "greatest good for the greatest number"; the Rights approach focuses on protecting the fundamental rights of the individual.
How does the "Uniform Commercial Code" (UCC) affect businesses?
It provides a standardized set of laws for commercial transactions (like the sale of goods) across different U.S. states.
What was a major outcome of the Enron or WorldCom scandals regarding U.S. law?
The passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), which set much stricter standards for corporate accounting and financial reporting.
How does a "Conflict of Interest" impact a professional's career in this pathway?
It can lead to disbarment for lawyers or termination for employees if personal interests interfere with the duty to act in the best interest of the employer or client.
Under what legal doctrine can a court overrule an agency's interpretation of a statute?
This often involves the Chevron Deference (though recently narrowed by the Supreme Court), where courts determine if an agency stayed within its Congressionally mandated authority.
How should an employee respond if their supervisor asks them to perform a task that is legal but highly unethical?
they should voice their concern, consult the company’s code of ethics, and potentially escalate the issue to HR or an ethics hotline.
Explain the "Business Judgment Rule" and its purpose.
A legal presumption that protects directors and officers from liability for business decisions, provided they acted in good faith, with care, and in the best interest of the company.
Analyze the "Triple Bottom Line." What are the three "P's" companies should measure?
Profit, People, and Planet.
Describe the role of a "Whistleblower" within a corporate structure.
An employee who reports misconduct, illegal activities, or dishonesty within an organization to the authorities or the public.