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Qualitative research based on focus groups offers valuable insights in analyzing moral conflicts. This article suggests that it also proves very useful in exploring citizens’ perceptions of political misbehaviour. Moral expectations regarding politicians’ behaviour are ambiguous judgements because of the various criteria that underpin their perceptions of politics. This article is based on the analysis of eight different, socio-culturally homogeneous focus groups. The data collected are analysed through a quantitative method examining discursive contents. The article demonstrates the existence of a common grid for ranking political misbehaviour The moderating effects of collective discussion on judgements are also outlined. The article emphasizes variations in judgments, differentiating groups according to their social and occupational experiences. Finally, different “argumentative repertoires” are identified relying on different principles.