I don't like the term "ethics" so I'll use the word "morality".
You're conflating ethics and morality while making the point that ethics is not the same as legality. In doing so you (probably subconsciously) reframe the question to something entirely different.
Professional ethics and personal morality are completely different things - just because you don't like one word doesn't mean you can substitute a different concept. For example: as a professional ethical standard, you must maintain client confidences, even if they tell you where the bodies are. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Garrow)
Most lawyers probably find that morally quite challenging, but are ethically obliged to do so.
Similar to the cab-rank principle - you might not want to act for a paedophile, wife beater or the RIAA, however in most common law systems a barrister is obliged to do so.
You're conflating ethics and morality while making the point that ethics is not the same as legality. In doing so you (probably subconsciously) reframe the question to something entirely different.
Professional ethics and personal morality are completely different things - just because you don't like one word doesn't mean you can substitute a different concept. For example: as a professional ethical standard, you must maintain client confidences, even if they tell you where the bodies are. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Garrow)
Most lawyers probably find that morally quite challenging, but are ethically obliged to do so.
Similar to the cab-rank principle - you might not want to act for a paedophile, wife beater or the RIAA, however in most common law systems a barrister is obliged to do so.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cab-rank_rule)