Ethical issue

Ethics and principles speak about to right and wrong conduct. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different: ethics refer to rules provided by an external source, e.g., codes of conduct in workplaces or principles in religions. Morals refer to an individual's own principles regarding right and wrong.

Ethical reasoning

Four major types of ethical reasoning 

Consequences 

We should promote good consequences and avoid bad ones, for all concerned, in the long run. (Happiness is good; pain is bad!)

Fairness/justice

 We should make sure that good & bad consequences are distributed fairly. We should pay our debts and treat like cases alike.

Rights and Duties  

Discusses the relationship between law and ethics, e.g., by discussing an option that is both legal and ethical or by identifying where law and ethics diverge in their obligations Identification of the law relevant to the ethical dilemma and understanding of what the law requires Unable to recognize legal issue or apply law Recognizes legal issue, but has difficulty articulating the application of the law/legal resolution Both recognizes the legal issue and arrives at the  likely legal outcome by appropriately applying the law.

Takes a position about whether the President has acted ethically (includes a demonstration of an appreciation for the relationship between law and ethics)

Fails to appreciate that an ethical outcome may require more than mere adherence to the law Fails to take a position about whether the actor has acted ethically or not, focusing only on the law Takes a position about whether the actor has acted ethically or not,  as distinct from the legal analysis, but fails to elaborate. Demonstrates a basic recognition that acting ethically. Does not necessarily overlap with meeting one’s basic legal obligations. Coherently elaborates on assessment of whether the key actor has acted ethically.