The following eight questions can help us make a good ethical decision in any situation:

1. The Golden Rule Test: Would I want people to do this to me?
2. The Truth Test: Does this action represent the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
3. The What-If-Everybody-Did-This Test: Would I want everyone to do this (lie, cheat, steal, litter, etc.)? Would I want to live in that kind of world?
4. The Parents Test: How would my parents feel if they found out I did this? What advice would they give me if I asked them if I should do it?
5. The Religion Test: If I have religious beliefs, how do they apply to this action? What would a respected member of my religion advise? Are there any religious texts that I could draw on for guidance?
6. The Conscience Test: Does this go against my conscience? Will I feel guilty afterwards?
7. The Consequences Test: Might this action have bad consequences, such as damage to relationships or loss of self-respect, now or in the future? Might I come to regret doing this?
8. The Front Page Test: How would I feel if my action were reported on the front page of my hometown paper?