Which of the following best defines ethics?

The concept of ethics is fundamentally concerned with what is considered right and wrong. It involves the principles and standards that govern the behavior of individuals and groups, guiding decisions and actions based on moral values. Ethics helps to define the moral framework within which individuals operate, particularly in professional contexts such as law enforcement and corrections.

While legal obligations pertain strictly to laws enforced by governmental institutions, ethics encompasses a broader scope of moral considerations, which may not always align with legal standards. Social norms are the unwritten rules that guide behavior within a specific community but do not necessarily reflect universal moral principles. Personal opinions can vary greatly among individuals and may not be rooted in a structured ethical framework. Therefore, the definition that focuses on what is considered right and wrong most accurately captures the essence of ethics in its role in guiding behavior and decision-making in various contexts.