This book takes a problem-based approach to explore the dilemmas that arise when the law and social work ethics conflict. It highlights what the law says, what ethical principles are at stake, and what these imply for policy and practice, helping students to develop an understanding of the issues involved.

Jonathan Dickens is Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of East Anglia, UK. He is the author of another book in the Routledge Student Social Work series, Social Work and Social Policy: An introduction.

Introduction Part 1: Principles and Frameworks 1. Key Concepts 2. Fairness 3. The Legal Framework 4. The Ethical Framework 5. Freedom and Society Summary of Part 1 Part 2: Questions and Cases 6. End of Life Decisions 7. Choices, Capacity and Competence 8. Responsibility and Circumstances 9. Responsibility and Blame 10. Crime, Punishment and Protection 11. Culture and Difference 12. Confidentiality, Information-sharing and Openness 13. Organisations and Individuals