Ethical scenario: testifying for a lottery co-winner

[Solauren]

I'd get it all in writing and take the money.

Odds are, I'm fired from work either way if I testify

First, for me, I'm willing to bet copying the security tapes in a government finacial building is a firing offense.

Second, you know people in the office will be talking about it, and it will look like I'm taking sides. Peter's friends will say I'm just trying to get at him for winning the money, Jack friends will say no, and I will be caught in the middle, and going to court over it, well, Peter's friends will ostrizie me, and odds are, he's got at least one in a place to make me advancing in my job hell. Odds are, same with Jacks.

Also, with the IT usage rules at work, it would be so easy to get someone else fired. All it would take is my walking away from my computer for 5 minutes, and them loading up a porno site on my computer, and I've lost my job. There are lots of ways Peter's friends could make my life hell.

So, yes, I'll take the million. Hell, I'll ask for it on condition he wins and explain why.

I want to do the right thing, but I don't want to have to pay for it.

I'd also point out to him, he could probably get him for more money for breach of contract...

[Kazuaki Shimazaki]

Is this ethical? On the one hand, an injustice has been done, and you are in a position to rectify that injustice, so it seems as if you would have a moral obligation to testify even without any compensation. On the other hand, it would only be reasonable to charge him something for your time and inconvenience, and although you are charging a rather exorbitant fee, your actions are consistent with the "whatever the market will bear" free-market philosophy of capitalism. Moreover, the company might fire you for making an unauthorized copy of their internal security tapes, so you might need this money to tide you over.

I'd gladly take the money. Of course, he'd probably have to win or he won't have the million to give me.

He probably is going to hire a lawyer anyway. Said lawyer is probably going to make up one of those deals where he gets a proportion of the winnings if your side wins (what are those called, I forgot). That deal would likely give 30% or more to said lawyer (that's 3 million) for his time and effort. Given that, I don't think it is that unethical for me to demand 10% for my effort and time if it will help Jack win the case.

[bilateralrope]

I'd probably ask for the money up frount, then go through with testifying even if he refuses to pay me

How the hell are you going to get the money up front if the guy needs you to go to court with him in ordered to get it?

Sorry, i meant I'd ask for the money, but still help if he refused