The word “ethics” has roots in the Greek word ethos, meaning character, and the Latin word mores, meaning customs. The combination refers to the internal standards and customs that guide the choices people make when interacting with each other. From a philosophical perspective, ethics defines that which is beneficial for individuals and society and puts forth the idea that people owe each other duties in a civilized society.

The intersection of law and ethics is another issue. While laws are often derived from ethical or community values, all values and mores aren't reflected in the law. For example, there are no laws against lying (except lying to investigators), betraying a friend's trust, or repeating a confidence. However, these things are widely condemned by most people. Therefore, law cannot be the only measurement of ethics since it ignores much important behavior governing human interaction. While they are not illegal, these behaviors are critical to a civilized world. In some instances, good ethical behavior can prevent illegal behavior, just as bad behavior can escalate to the point of illegal behavior. In many ways, ethics is related to courtesy.

For instance, allowing someone in front of your vehicle in heavy traffic isn't something you must do. Yet performing this courtesy with a smile can soften another driver's ruffled feelings and avert the escalation of anger. Conversely, preventing that driver from pushing in front of you (though you may feel justified) is discourteous. It may get you yelled at, or waved at with a special finger.

Ethics governs the behavior that makes societies civilized. The act of treating others the way you'd want to be treated is the glue holding civilization together. When this is absent, chaos ensues, leading to lawbreaking. Imagine the highways and interstates full of people cutting in front of each other, tailgating at high speeds: It would be chaos. The following Web sites are helpful resources on ethics: DePaul Institute for Business and Professional Ethics, http://commerce.depaul.edu/ethics; and LegalEthics.com, www.legalethics.com.

It's obvious that good ethical behavior is important for you as a PI, but knowing the parameters of your own personal ethics is even more important. Before you face certain ethical situations, decide how you will deal with them. What will you do when it seems that the only way to get video of your subject is to crawl through her property and record her through a window? Decide that you will not jeopardize your case by breaking the law. Decide that you can be creative enough to conceive of a way to get her out of the house in order to film her. Decide now so that when the temptation is greatest, you know where your limits are.

What will you do when faced with leftover money after winding up your investigation? You'll have the choice of returning your client's money or padding your bill to make it seem that these funds have been used. Decide now which course you'll take. Decide from the outset that you'll return the unused funds. Don't think for a minute that it doesn't matter — and don't fall into the trap of believing that the client won't know the difference.