The principles of “Cowboy Ethics” are now part of Wyoming law.

Governor Freudenthal yesterday signed legislation adopting an official Wyoming state code.

The symbolic measure spells out 10 ethics derived from a “Code of the West” outlined in a book by author and retired Wall Street investor James Owen who was at yesterday’s captial rotunda signing ceremony of the bill…(3.4.10 OWEN)

The ethics code doesn’t carry any criminal penalties and is not meant to replace any civil codes.

The state code admonishes residents and lawmakers to live courageously, take pride in their work, finish what they start, do what’s necessary, be tough but fair, keep promises, ride for the brand, talk less and say more, remember that some things aren’t for sale and know where to draw the line.