Ethics is defined* as:

• The discipline of dealing with what is good and bad, with moral duty and obligation
• A set of moral principles or values
• The principle of conduct governing an individual or group

* Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary

There are two types of ethical standards Ethics San Mateo includes in our mission, those determined by:

• Law
• Society

The standards defined by law are contained in enforceable statutes, such as the Fair Election Codes.

The standards set by society are somewhat more difficult to clearly define for every potential situation. We see the requirements in our City Charter and Rules for our city officials to conduct themselves within ethical bounds, but clear defining guide rails do not exist. Enforcement has been discretionary, hence the need for an Independent Ethics Commission.