Potter Stewart, a former Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, articulated the idea that ‘ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do’ in a speech he delivered at the Yale University Law School in 1971. This statement encapsulates his belief in the importance of ethical decision-making that transcends mere legality. Stewart emphasized that having a legal right does not necessarily equate to moral righteousness, urging individuals to consider the broader implications of their actions.
His perspective is often referenced in discussions of legal ethics, particularly as it calls on professionals to think critically about the consequences of their choices rather than relying solely on what is permissible by law. This principle remains relevant not just in the field of law but in various areas of life where moral dilemmas are present.