Understanding the Basics of Public Service Ethics: Fair Process Laws and Merit-Based Decision-Making

This publication provides a plain-language explanation of laws relating to public officials and fair processes.

• The Public's Right to Fair and Unbiased Decision-Makers
• The Prohibition Against Vote-Trading
• Restrictions on Personal Loans to Public Officials
• Restrictions on Participation in Decisions that May Benefit an Official's Family
• Disqualification from Decision-Making Based on Receipt of Campaign Contributions
• Restrictions on Campaign Support from Agency Staff
• Restrictions on Holding Multiple Public Offices
• Requirements for Competitive Bidding Processes for Public Contracts
• Protections for Whistle-Blowers

• Personal Financial Gain Laws
• Perk Issues, Including Compensation, Use of Public Resources and Gifts
• Transparency Laws
• Fair Process Laws and Merit-Based Decision-Making
• Promoting Personal and Organizational Ethics

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