What is "honor system"

alt. (context US alternative in Canada English) A system, policy or understanding based on trust in the honesty, honor, or integrity of others. n. (context US alternative in Canada English) A system, policy or understanding based on trust in the honesty, honor, or integrity of others.

n. a system of conduct in which participants are trusted not to take unfair advantage of others; "the students are on the honor system"

An honor system or honesty system is a philosophical way of running a variety of endeavors based on trust, honor, and honesty. Something that operates under the rule of the "honor system" is usually something that does not have strictly enforced rules governing its principles. In British English, it would more often be called a "trust system" and should not be confused with the British honours system.

The honor system is also a system granting freedom from customary surveillance (as to students or prisoners) with the understanding that those who are so freed will be bound by their honor to observe regulations (e.g. prison farms are operated under the honor system), and will therefore not abuse the trust placed in them.

A person engaged in an honor system has a strong negative concept of breaking or going against it. The negatives may include community shame, loss of status, loss of a personal sense of integrity and pride or in extreme situations, banishment from one's community.

An honor system or honesty system is a system by which parties in an interaction are expected to honor trust granted to them by other parties.

Honor system may also refer to:

• The Honor System (band), a Chicago-based punk rock group
• The Honor System (film), a 1917 film by Raoul Walsh