Sometimes the same conduct may violate different statutes.

The union also said it had filed a grievance complaining that the board's conduct violated the union's contract with the schools.

Representative Richardson's conduct may have violated gift and financial disclosure rules.

The election officials' conduct may violate the federal laws prohibiting voting discrimination.

The company said the board concluded that "certain conduct" of the two men violated its code of ethics.

First, a court must ask whether "the facts alleged show the officer's conduct violated a constitutional right."

It may turn out, as Mr. Gingrich insists, that his conduct violated no ethical standard.

"When such conduct violates our standards, the college must take action."

"I accept that my conduct violated federal law," Mr. Duncan said.

But he said he had not been aware then that his conduct might have violated the law.