Ethics Quote by Max Allan Collins
““Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is the right thing to do.” Potter Stewart, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, 1958–1981.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Supreme Court: A History, 1995
Ethics distinguishes legal rights from moral duties, urging actions beyond mere legality.
In simple terms: Right vs. right thing.
Act ethically, not just legally.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Legal practice
- public policy
- personal decisions
- corporate conduct
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it right to break the law for a higher good?
- How do we resolve legal‑moral conflicts?
Legal constraints may conflict with moral choices.