Sometimes ethics codes demand that counselors disobey a law if it is unjust.

Sometimes ethics codes demand that counselors disobey a law if it is unjust.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. Not sure
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Ethics codes guide counselors to act within the law and to protect clients, not to disobey laws. When a law seems unjust, the ethical path is to pursue change through appropriate channels—seek supervision or ethics guidance, advocate for policy reforms, document the situation, and work with professional associations—while still complying with applicable laws and maintaining client welfare. If a law requires disclosure, the counselor must follow that legal duty, addressing any ethical concerns within those bounds. So the statement isn’t correct; ethics codes do not demand disobedience to unjust laws.

Ethics codes guide counselors to act within the law and to protect clients, not to disobey laws. When a law seems unjust, the ethical path is to pursue change through appropriate channels—seek supervision or ethics guidance, advocate for policy reforms, document the situation, and work with professional associations—while still complying with applicable laws and maintaining client welfare. If a law requires disclosure, the counselor must follow that legal duty, addressing any ethical concerns within those bounds. So the statement isn’t correct; ethics codes do not demand disobedience to unjust laws.