What term refers to the study of moral conduct and behavior that governs conduct and protects individual rights?

The term that refers to the study of moral conduct and behavior, which governs conduct and protects individual rights, is ethics. Ethics encompasses a systematic approach to understanding what is right and wrong and helps to guide decisions and actions based on moral principles. It is a broad field that addresses various aspects of human behavior, including the implications of actions on individuals and society as a whole.

Moral philosophy is related but is more focused specifically on philosophical inquiries regarding morality. While it overlaps with ethics, it doesn't encapsulate the entirety of ethical frameworks used in practice, especially those pertaining to governance and rights protection.

Deontology is a subset of ethical theories that emphasizes duty and adherence to rules, rather than the consequences of actions. While it is concerned with ethical behavior, it does not fully encompass the broader study of moral conduct regarding individual rights.

Social justice pertains to the fair distribution of resources and opportunities in society, often addressing issues of equity and inequality. While important, it specifically focuses on societal structures and fairness rather than the foundational principles of moral conduct like ethics does.

Thus, ethics is the most appropriate term that captures the overall study of moral conduct and behavior in the context of individual rights and societal norms.