casuistry
the practice of applying moral principles to specific instances. Critics suggest that the process involves manipulating otherwise clear rules to suit the convenience of those who would prefer they were less strict. It would be fairer to see it as recognition that life is continually changing and the what is right and just is affected by particular circumstances. Such sensitivity is found in the Jewish tradition, seen in the teaching of Jesus in the gospels and deployed by successive generations of Christian leaders. Attempts to codify the applications have repeatedly been made, most notably in the Anglo-Saxon Church and more widely in Medieval Christendom and then by the Jesuits. The prompt has varied from prescribing due punishment for penitent sinners to providing advice to Christians faced with moral ambiguity.
See also:
situation ethics