Ethics

How should political actors behave? What is good representation? When is it appropriate to make a compromise? Is releasing confidential information ever justified? How do you change deeply entrenched social norms? Should you? These are just some of the questions raised by the teaching cases in this section, which ask students to consider the implications and ramifications of real-world ethical scenarios, with sources of conflict ranging from personal to structural dilemmas.

  • Classic Case - A Problem at the Housing Authority

    A Problem at the Housing Authority

    Free

    Publication Date: January 01, 1990

    The executive director of a housing authority in a southwestern state uncovers evidence of collusion between the board of directors and a local realty corporation. After apparent attempts by the board president at bribery and intimidation, the...

  • Teaching Case - Cocaine Mothers

    Cocaine Mothers

    $3.95

    Publication Date: January 01, 1990

    Early in 1989, prosecutors in Florida charged a woman with child abuse after she gave birth to her second baby born with signs of cocaine dependency. This case briefly summarizes the problem of cocaine use, the effects of prenatal exposure, and...

  • Teaching Case - Computer Procurement in Metro West

    Computer Procurement in Metro West

    $3.95

    Publication Date: January 01, 1989

    This hypothetical case examines the computer procurement process in a medium-sized city. It focuses on the relative flexibility with which the "Metro West" Information Services Department is able to deal with vendors--particularly compared to...

  • Teaching Case - US and South Africa: The Sanctions Debate of 1985

    US and South Africa: The Sanctions Debate of 1985

    $3.95

    Publication Date: January 01, 1988

    When a celebrated series of demonstrations and arrests outside the South African embassy puts US policy toward that nation on the front pages, Congress faces growing pressure to limit the US economic relationship with South Africa by imposing...

  • Teaching Case - Senator McGrail and the Death Penalty

    Senator McGrail and the Death Penalty

    $3.95

    Publication Date: January 01, 1988

    This very short case, less than a page, is the story of a young Massachusetts state senator who is faced with a dilemma about how to vote on then-Governor Frank Sargent's veto of a bill restoring capital punishment. Senator McGrail is against...