2011

Within a semester-long class, there is little room for in-depth learning on philosophy and the history of legal systems. The teaching of ethical and legal issues in counseling programs definitely focuses more on the ethical and legal concerns that may impact students’ future counseling practice, similar to conditions in other disciplines (Wlasienko, 2005). Counselor educators want to make sure that this class will instill an adequate decision making process lasting lifelong in students’ careers (Colby, 1994). However, the ever changing work environment and society place more pressures on counseling practice. Counseling students need an understanding beyond the case examples of ethical and legal issues.