An effective ethics law rests on three pillars: (1) a comprehensive, simple, and sensible code of ethics; (2) disclosure targeted at revealing and averting possible violations of the ethics code, in particular transnational disclosure and recusal, applicant disclosure, and reasonable annual disclosure; and (3) an administrative structure that is independent and workable and that provides training and education in rough equal parts, quick and confidential advice, regulation of disclosure, and enforcement. Government ethics laws and regulations differ from criminal laws on official misconduct. The purpose and nature of government ethics laws in the United States generally and in New York City especially are examined, as well as principles of government ethics regulation. An appendix contains a suggested code of ethics that outlines least restrictive and more restrictive alternatives. 16 notes