Maria and Marcus

Maria and Marcus work at First Access. Marcus has been pre-occupied lately and it is starting to show in his work. He is short with the clients and really lost his cool when two of the clients were arguing at lunch time. Maria has also noticed that he seems distant. Yesterday Andy walked into the reception area agitated - normally Marcus is very good with Andy and takes time to talk to him and reduce his frustration levels but yesterday Marcus just walked out of the room and told Andy to get Maria to help him.

Maria asks Marcus if he is okay and if he would like to talk. Marcus decides to confide in Maria but makes her promise not to tell anyone what he is sharing. He has been charged with assault following a pub brawl which resulted in the other person being knocked unconscious. He has spoken to a lawyer who has advised that it will go to court, but it may be some time before his case is heard - probably more than 12 months. Marcus insists it wasn't his fault saying, 'The other guy was being an absolute idiot in the pub and pushed me until I lost my temper and hit him.'

Marcus is feeling anxious about what will happen when the court date arrives. He is also worried about his keeping his job. He knows he should declare the charges to his supervisor, but he is sure that he will not be allowed to continue at work due to the seriousness of the charges. He needs the job so he will be able to show in court that his is gainfully employed and can pay for his legal costs.

Maria gives him a hug and feels terrible for Marcus. Marcus tells her that he is taking a week's leave to sort things out and that Maria must keep it a secret. Maria knows that professionally she should not keep this kind of information to herself. It all seems very unfair!

a) Is there a legal issue in this case study? Explain your answer.

b) Identify and explain the ethical issue in this case study.

c) Describe what Maria should do.

d) Write a short account of what Maria should tell her supervisor when she notices Marcus' behaviour at work deteriorating.