The Problem with Limiting Conflicts to Pecuniary Benefits
Many people believe that conflicts of interest are limited to
situations where money is involved. When these people write ethics
laws, as they often do, the law effectively says that where money
isn't involved, any conduct is acceptable.<br>
<br>
For example, Pennsylvania's ethics code, which applies to local
officials, defines "conflict of interest" as follows (emphasis added):<blockquote>