Analysis of Abbot's Actions in Relation to Business Ethics Principles

This report presents an analysis of Abbot's actions, focusing on the ethical and legal implications of his behavior. The report examines Abbot's actions through the lens of business ethics, specifically the ethical theory of 'Rights and Duties'. It argues that Abbot's act of stealing from Ms. Costello is inherently unethical and illegal, as it violates her right to her property and disregards his duty to comply with legal principles. The report references the Canadian Criminal Code, particularly section 657.2, to highlight the illegality of theft. It concludes that despite his financial difficulties, Abbot's actions cannot be justified because he had other ethical options available. The report emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of others and adhering to legal and ethical standards in all situations.

Running Head: BUSINESS ETHICS
BUSINESS ETHICS
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note

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BUSINESS ETHICS
The essay aims to analyze the actions of Abbot in relation to the legal principles and
ethics. It can be said that every person who is a member of the society has an obligation which is
ethical in nature to the society at large and other individuals of the society. The ethical theory
that is to be used to assess the actions of Abbot is “Rights and Duties” The government has also
formulated a set of legal principles which are codified and which are based on voluntary and
unmodified ethics in order to ensure that peace and harmony is maintained in the society. It is
the obligation of the people to comply with such ethical legal principles.
As opined by 1 it can be said that the ethical theory of Rights and Duties focuses on
ensuring that people perform their duties and protect the rights of others. It can be said that the
right and the duties imposed upon individuals are often absolute2. Thus it can be stated that only
in very rare circumstances the rights and duties as granted to individuals can be taken away or
compromised.
Thus after analyzing the facts of the case in relation to the principles of the ethical theory
of ‘Rights and Duties’ it can be said that the act of staling meat from the grocery store of Ms
Costello cannot be justified. It can be stated that Abbot has the duty to comply with legal
principles and respect and protect the social right of Ms Costello. Although, Abbot comes from
a poor family and has to make contribute to family’s income and has to fund his higher studies.
However, indulging in an activity of stealing cannot be justified by poverty. It can be said that it
is the ethical responsibility of an individual to not deprive any other person of his own property.
The basic act of stealing is inherently unethical3. There were other options available to Abbot
1 Campbell, Tom D. The legal theory of ethical positivism. Routledge, 2016
2 Gamst, Frederick C. "Foundations of social theory." Anthropology of Work Review 12.3 (1991): 19-25.
3 Dan-Cohen, Meir. Rights, persons, and organizations: A legal theory for bureaucratic society. Vol. 26. Quid Pro
Books, 2016

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such as approaching the government for financial aids or discounts. Further it is to be stated that
the act of justifying the theft as a matter of right is also unethical as it promotes anarchism and is
opposed to the ethical theory of ‘rights and duties’
Further it is to be stated that the act of stealing is not only inherently unethical but also
illegal. The law under no circumstances provides an individual the right to steal. According to
section 657.2 of the Canadian Criminal Code it can be stated that when an accused is charged
with the possession of another person’s property, it can be said that such person is guilty of
theft4. Specially in relation to shoplifting, it can be said that the primary constituents of theft is
taking possession of items from a shop without paying for the same.
Thus by assessing the legal as well as ethical principles of theft and applying the same to
the facts of the case it can be said that Abbot’s act of stealing is inherently unethical and illegal
as it hampers the right of Ms. Costelo.
4 'Criminal Code' (Laws-lois.justice.gc.ca, 2018) <http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/> accessed 25 March
2018

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Reference list:
Campbell, Tom D. The legal theory of ethical positivism. Routledge, 2016.
Dan-Cohen, Meir. Rights, persons, and organizations: A legal theory for bureaucratic society.
Vol. 26. Quid Pro Books, 2016.
'Criminal Code' (Laws-lois.justice.gc.ca, 2018) <http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/>
accessed 25 March 2018
Gamst, Frederick C. "Foundations of social theory." Anthropology of Work Review 12.3 (1991):
19-25.