When policy conflicts with law, what is the ethical course?

• A. Follow higher-order laws and rights, seek supervisor guidance, and document actions taken and conflicts.
• B. Always follow policy, even if it clashes with the law.
• C. Ignore the conflict and act as you see fit.
• D. Postpone action until the situation resolves.

Answer: (A)

When policy clashes with legal requirements, the ethical course is to honor the law and protect rights, not the policy alone. Policies are meant to implement legal and ethical standards, so if a rule would violate applicable laws or fundamental rights, those legal standards take precedence. In practice, act in accord with higher-order laws and rights, seek guidance from a supervisor to interpret the conflict and determine the proper steps, and document what you did and why the conflict arose. This approach protects individuals and the organization by ensuring compliance and accountability, and it provides a clear record of how the issue was handled. For example, if a policy would suppress reporting a safety violation that law requires you to report, you report it and document the rationale and the guidance you sought.