An offence refers to an action that violates the law and is punishable by the state through criminal prosecution. It is an illegal act that constitutes a breach of public law, and those who commit offences are subject to penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

On the other hand, ethics refers to moral principles that govern an individual’s behavior or conducting an activity. While unethical conduct may not necessarily be illegal, it can involve actions that are seen as morally wrong or unprofessional. Ethical violations may lead to professional sanctions but do not usually involve criminal penalties.