Running Head: Criminal Ethics (B04) 1
Criminal Justice Ethics (B04): 14th Amendment
Author Name
Institution Name
Criminal Ethics (B04) 2
The Principle of Equal Protection in the Criminal Justice System
While the 14th Amendment ensures equal protection for all citizens, disparities within the
criminal justice system undermine this principle. Biased-based policing has been documented in
which law enforcement decisions are influenced by an individual's race, ethnicity, or other
protected characteristics. For example, various studies have indicated that minority communities
are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement practices, resulting in higher arrests and
convictions than their white counterparts (Bartley, 2023). This disparity casts doubt on the
equitable treatment of individuals similarly situated under the law.
Biased-Based Policing and Unequal Treatment
Several cases highlight the unequal treatment of individuals who are ostensibly similarly
situated. Racial profiling is one example where minorities are disproportionately subjected to
stops, searches, and arrests based on stereotypes rather than concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
The "stop-and-frisk" policy in New York City garnered criticism for disproportionately targeting
Black and Hispanic individuals, even though the demographic data did not correspond to the
actual criminal activity rates (Di Carlo, 2023). Such practices violate the principle of equal
protection and perpetuate systemic inequalities.
Accountability and the Role of Justice Administration
The passage in I Kings 3:16-28 recounts the story of King Solomon's wise judgment in resolving
a dispute between two mothers claiming the same child. This narrative underscores the
importance of sound judgment and discernment in administering justice (Witte, 2023). Similarly,
having the right people in justice administration positions, such as judges, is paramount. Judges,
as impartial arbiters of the law, play a crucial role in ensuring equal treatment. Their decisions
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not only uphold the principles of justice but also shape the trajectory of the criminal justice
system.
Biblical Worldview and Personal Beliefs
I hold a perspective that diverges from the biblical worldview discussed earlier. While the
principles outlined in the 14th Amendment resonate with me as essential for fairness, my beliefs
lean more towards a secular understanding of justice. I find that examining the complexities of
the criminal justice system through a broader lens, one that considers diverse cultural and ethical
viewpoints, allows for a more comprehensive assessment of equal protection. While biblical
narratives like the story of King Solomon offer valuable insights into justice administration, my
stance encompasses a range of philosophical perspectives beyond religious texts (Ancselovits,
Dolgopolski, & Katz, 2024). This viewpoint allows me to critically evaluate the modern criminal
justice system and its shortcomings without being confined to a particular faith-based
interpretation.
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References
Ancselovits, E., Dolgopolski, S., & Katz, E. B. (2024). Introduction: Engagement: Religious
Devotion, Academic Relativism, and Beyond. In When Jews Argue (pp. 1–36).
Routledge.
Bartley, J. (2023). Implications Within Interpretations and Legal Implementations of The
Fourteenth Amendment.
Di Carlo, J. M. (2023). Blue Laws Matter: Post-Jim Crow Police Power, Stop and Frisk, and the
Agents that Populated the Carceral State. Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa.
Witte, J. (2023). Biblical Foundations of Human Rights and Liberties. Biblical Foundations of
Human Rights and Liberties,” Jahrbuch Für Biblische Theologie (with Eric Wang),
CSLR Research Paper No. Forthcoming.
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