Certified Fraud Examiner Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The lowest level of reference for making moral decisions is the law. Laws are established rules that govern behavior in society, representing the minimum standards of conduct. They are designed to maintain order and protect individuals from harm. When individuals consider the law in making decisions, they are operating within a framework that is set by governmental authority and societal consensus.

While personal values, ethics, and community standards can play a significant role in influencing moral decisions, the law represents a baseline that individuals must adhere to in order to avoid legal consequences. Violating the law often results in penalties or repercussions, regardless of an individual's personal beliefs or ethical considerations. This underscores the importance of the law as a fundamental guideline in moral decision-making, as it provides clear and enforceable standards that everyone in society is expected to follow, thereby serving as a foundation for more complex ethical deliberations.