According to Kohlberg, at what age range do children determine right and wrong based on rules or 'law and order'?

• A. Around 6 years old
• B. Around 9 years old
• C. Around 3 years old
• D. Around 12 years old

Answer: (A)

Law-and-order orientation is part of Kohlberg's conventional level of moral development. In this stage, right and wrong are judged by whether actions conform to laws and duties and by the desire to maintain social order. This shift toward rule-based morality typically emerges in early adolescence, around 12 years old and older. Earlier ages—such as around six or three—are associated with the earlier stages, where obedience or punishment avoidance drives moral judgments, or where conformity to peers becomes the focus. So the age most consistent with judging actions by rules and maintaining law and order is around 12 years old and up.