Peter Gerhart is a law professor at Case Western University in Ohio. He spoke to us about social morality in law.
Peter says rules cannot be taken literally, even when they are quite specific (e.g., "Speed Limit 65 mph"). Rules need to be interpreted, and social morality is how we reason about the law.
Peter endorses "Other Regarding Behavior," which takes into account the needs of the other party. The Veil of Ignorance suggests a simple thought process: How would you reason if you didn't know which side you were on? What is the right thing to do?
Peter's presentation led to a spirited discussion about judges and justices and the difference between legal and political questions.