Module 1 Reflection help

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Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in

Criminal Justice Tenth Edition

Chapter 1 Morality, Ethics,

and Human

Behavior

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the difference between ethical issues and

ethical dilemmas.

2. Give examples of how discretion permeates every

phase of the criminal justice system and creates

ethical dilemmas for criminal justice professionals.

3. Explain why the study of ethics is important for criminal

justice professionals.

4. Learn the definitions of the terms morals, ethics,

duties, supererogatories, and values.

5. Describe what behaviors might be subject to

moral/ethical judgments.

Why Study Ethics? (1 of 5)

• Ethical issues exist in all areas of the criminal justice

system (from passage of laws to punishment)

• Learning how to determine the “right thing to do” is

critical

• Criminal justice professionals have varying degrees of

discretion, authority, and power

• Criminal justice professionals encounter a multitude of

situations in which they must make choices that affect

people’s lives

Why Study Ethics? (2 of 5)

• Discretion: the power to make a decision

• Legislators: in making laws and determining

punishment

• Police: in enforcing laws

• Attorneys and Judges: affecting justice process

• Correctional Professionals: affecting offenders’ lives

Why Study Ethics? (3 of 5)

• What do criminal justice professionals have in

common?

– Power to make decisions

– Duty to enforce the law

– Obligation to provide “due process” and “equal

protection” for all

– Public servants

Why Study Ethics? (4 of 5)

Criminal justice professionals should study ethics:

• To become more professional

• To begin developing critical thinking skills

• To quickly recognize the ethical consequences of

various actions

• Because it is central to decision-making and criminal

justice research

Why Study Ethics? (5 of 5)

• To understand how the system is engaged in coercion

• Understand the special duties public servants owe to

the public they serve

• Become sensitive to ethical issues and develop tools

for resolving ethical dilemmas

Defining Terms (1 of 4)

• Morals: Principles of right or wrong.

– The term “moral” is often used as an adjective to describe a person’s actions.

• Ethics: The discipline of determining good and evil and defining moral duties.

– The term “ethics” is often used as an adjective to refer to behaviors relating to a profession (Example: Hippocratic Oath for physicians).

• The two words are often used interchangeably.

Defining Terms (2 of 4)

• Meta-ethics: Technical investigation of the meaning of

ethical systems, their origins, and whether they are

relative or universal.

• Normative ethics: Definition of right conduct and

moral duties.

• Applied ethics: Application of ethical principles to

specific issues or fields.

• Professional ethics: Examination of the behavior of

certain professional groups.

Defining Terms (3 of 4)

• Duties: Behaviors or actions necessary for an

individual to be considered moral.

• Supererogatories: Actions that are commendable but

not required in order for a person to be considered

moral.

• Imperfect duties: Moral duties that are not fully

explicated or detailed.

Defining Terms (4 of 4)

• Values: Judgments of desirability, worth, or importance

– Honesty

– Health

– Family

– Financial success

– Beauty

• What else are values?

• Are some more important than others?

Making Moral Judgments

Acts that can be judged as ethical, unethical, moral, or

immoral involve four elements:

1. Act

2. Only Human Acts

3. Free Will

4. Affect Others

Analyzing Ethical Issues and Policies

• What information am I using in coming to a conclusion?

• What information do I need to settle the question?

• Is there another way to interpret the information?

• What assumption has led me to my conclusion?

• Is there another point of view I should consider?

• What implication or consequence might be the result of

this conclusion?

Analyzing Ethical Dilemmas

1. Identify the facts.

2. Identify relevant values and concepts.

3. Identify all possible dilemmas and then decide what is

the most immediate dilemma.

4. Decide what is the most immediate moral or ethical

issue facing the individual.

5. Resolve the ethical or moral dilemma by using an

ethical system or some other means of decision

making.

Discussion Questions

1. How does culture/location perhaps affect our

worldview in terms of morals/ethics?

2. Ask class to give examples of other behaviors that are

perhaps considered criminal in some venues, yet

essentially have nothing to do with public safety.

3. Describe a scenario in which discretion would be of

value in your life today.