what are the similarities and differences between legal questions and moral questions?

Answer 1

Moral questions will differ with each societies moral codes. For example the question of gay marriage may differ in how it is considered a moral issue amongst different groups. But legal issues have to do with what is allowed within the confines of our constitution and legal system.

So, using the gay marriage example, our constitution says that no citizen should be denied freedom based on race, religion, disability, whatever. Implied in that argument is also sexual orientation maybe. So, it seems that as a legal issue, homosexual couples should enjoy the same rights as any other tax-paying citizen. But as a moral issue, some religions believe that homosexual relationships are morally wrong, and so they should be illegal. But, this moral issue should not translate into a legal issue. Because under the constitution the citizens of this country are free to live how they wish to live, as long as it doesn't include murdering people and other things which are just detrimental to all of society.

Murder is a situation where a moral issue and a legal issue are in harmony. I'm pretty sure most people believe it is wrong to kill another human being, so murder is morally wrong, and it's also illegal. But, it wouldn't matter if there was a group that thought that murder was not wrong, because it would still be illegal for purposes of government, not of morality per say.

Answer 2

They are similar in countries in which religion is the law, such as you'll find in Islamic countries. They are different in countries where the "church and state" are separated. Legal and moral questions are separated by religion. If religion is the law, it, in itself is immoral.