Publication Details
Abstract
Public administration plays a central role in ensuring social order, justice, and effective governance. However, without proper ethical and legal constraints, administrative systems may become prone to corruption, abuse of power, and inefficiency. This article examines the role of ethical norms and legal frameworks as restraining mechanisms in public administration. Using a qualitative and analytical approach, the study explores how ethical principles such as integrity, accountability, and transparency interact with legal regulations to ensure responsible governance. The findings indicate that a balanced integration of ethical values and legal enforcement mechanisms significantly enhances administrative effectiveness and public trust. The article concludes that ethical culture and legal accountability should be institutionalized as complementary tools in modern governance systems.