英语完形填空,when i was a law professor,a student reported that i

英语完形填空,when i was a law professor,a student reported that i made an error in grading .

When I was a law professor,a student reported that I made an error in grading his exam by giving him too many points.He was right,and after thanking him for his honesty,I changed the grade in my records.His beaming face turned to shock."You're lowering my grade?" he sputtered."I never would have come in if ..."
He didn't finish the sentence,but it was obvious that his display of integrity was counterfeit.He thought he'd have it all -- praise and the higher grade.
Several colleagues thought I should have let the higher grade stand because all I'd accomplished was to discourage him from being honest in the future.And every time I tell this story some people agree with this critique.
But I can't see how I could justify compounding my mistake in grading by undermining the integrity of all my grades by failing to correct an error.The grade itself would be a dishonest reflection of his knowledge and it would have been unfair to other students.How could I responsibly give a student a gift of an unearned grade?
I know voluntarily reporting an error in one's favor is unusual,but,like returning too much change,it's clearly the right thing to do.People of character,those with real integrity,hate to give up benefits as much as anyone else.The difference is that for them a good conscience and reputation is reward enough to justify the cost of doing the right thing.
Perhaps lowering the student's grade did discourage him from being honest in the future,but I think bribing him to be honest so that he only does the right thing when it's cost-free would have corrupted him even more.The duty to be honest is about right and wrong,not risks and rewards.