Despite the apparent agreement among the media and the public that the answer to both questions is a resounding "No," this book says "Yes."

Ethics and Political Practice considers both the existing problems—in term of perception (by the public and legislators themselves), institutions, education and procedures—and suggests ways forward for engendering and maintaining a healthy ethical community in the legislative sphere. Codes of conduct, the role of the media, the need for education, and a balance between a maximalist versus a minimalist approach are discussed.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: Introduction - The editors
CHAPTER 2: Signposts in Political Ethics - John Uhr
CHAPTER 3: "Appearance" as an Ethical Standard - Alan Rosenthal
CHAPTER 4: Strange Distinctions: Parliamentarians, Political Parties and Legislative Ethics Research - Rodney Smith
CHAPTER 5: Politics, Public Life and the Ethical Imperative - W.G. Hayden
CHAPTER 6: Politicising Ethics: Scandal and the American Experience - Maureen Mancuso
CHAPTER 7: Ethics Counsellor: The Canadian Experience - Howard Wilson
CHAPTER 8: Changing Institutional Ethics: The New Zealand Case - Colin Hicks
CHAPTER 9: Watchdog or Attack Dog? The Media, Politics and Ethics - Stephen Tanner
CHAPTER 10: Constructing Codes: Pitfalls and Challenges - Meredith Burgmann
CHAPTER 11: Insider’s Viewpoints: contributions from current and former politicians - Michael Beahan and Cheryl Kernot
CHAPTER 12: Prospects and Challenges for Legislative Ethics - Noel Preston
APPENDICES: Codes of Conduct and Legislation from the US, UK, Canada, Australia & Hong Kong
References
Index