Ethics Case Study

Class Section  Assessment 
Law 1  3237  37% 
Law 2  0322  85% 
Law 10  3239  76% 
Law 11  0324  74% 
Law 12  0325  85% 
Law 13  0326  75% 
Law 16  0327  85% 
Law 17 0322  80% 
Law 18 0329  76% 
Law 19 3241  81% 
Law 20 0332  82% 
Law 34 0331  88% 
Summary Average 79% 

 

Analysis:

 

The students were given a case study, along with supporting materials (ethical theories, powerpoint, and grading rubric) which required the appropriate application of ethics which is one of our law Program Learning Outcomes.

The case study required students to learn five theories of ethics, and then to apply the theories to an ethical dilemma as set forth in a case study.

Results/Analysis:

All 12 classes in our law program were assessed during the  Spring 2012 semester. The students did fairly well with the case study (see above % for each class, and overall average (79%).   Both briefing of law cases and this ethics case study require students to perform 4 steps as follows:

1. Clearly define the legal or ethical principle (articulation of the substantive law or ethical principle is essential).

2. Spot the legal issue of ethical dilemma (similar to a doctor diagnosing the correct illness given many symptoms)

3. Fully discuss each relevant fact and demonstrate how it impacts the case law or ethics case study.

4. Arrive at a conclusion - demonstrate a full understanding and application of the legal or ethical principle, be able to understand the public policies involved, the legal rationale for the decision, and in the ethics case, propose alternative solutions which help to resolve the dilemma while balancing the competing interests of the parties.

Assessment of the ethics case study reveals that students seem to handle steps 2 and 4 fairly well (spot the issue, arrive at a conclusion), but a common mistake amongst all of our students is to gloss over, overlook, or fail to handle steps 1 and 3 (clearly define terms, and fully discuss the relevant facts in a law case or ethics case study).

 Suggested resolutions:

During the Spring 2012 semester the law faculty will discuss some of the below possible solutions to improve our students' failure to clearly define terms and discuss relevant facts.