CMFAS RES5 Ethics Foundations question: equality concept of the principle of fairness

CMFAS RES5Ethics Foundations

Under the 'equality' concept of the principle of fairness — to 'treat like things in like ways' — which pricing practice is consistent with the principle?

A Charging a higher fee because a client's needs are complex and require additional resources
B Charging clients different fees based on their race or religion, as long as the rates are published
C Charging every client an identical fee, regardless of the time and work each case actually requires
D Charging each client the highest fee he can be persuaded to pay after the fact-find

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A. Charging a higher fee because a client's needs are complex and require additional resources

The text explains equality does not mean treating everyone exactly the same; differences in treatment must be justified by good reasons. Charging more where needs are complex and require additional resources is justified, whereas differentiating by race or religion is based on irrelevant factors and raises troubling ethical questions.

Common mistake

Equality permits justified differences (e.g. complexity of work) but forbids differentiation on irrelevant grounds such as race or religion — and does not demand identical fees for everyone.

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