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Module 2-2 Journal
Southern New Hampshire University
CJ 230: Discretion in Criminal Justice
Nathan Mutter
03/12/2023
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Juvenile Versus Adult: Integrity, Authority, and Discretionary Power
Explain the relationship between integrity, authority, and discretionary power:
oDefine each: integrity, authority, and discretionary power.
oCompare and contrast each: How are they different? How are they similar? How
are they connected?
As stated by Pollock (2018), authority is the unquestionable entitlement to be obeyed that
comes from fulfilling a specific role, power is the right inherent in a role to use any means to
overcome resistance, and integrity means wholeness in public and private life consisting of
habits of justice, temperance, courage, compassion, honesty, fortitude, and disdain for self-pity.
The main difference between integrity, authority, and discretionary power is that integrity
is a personal characteristic, while authority and discretionary power are granted by others.
Integrity is about doing the right thing, regardless of the consequences. Authority is about having
the power to make decisions, and discretionary power is about having the power to make
decisions without being bound by rules or regulations. Integrity is important in all aspects of life,
but it is especially important in positions of authority. People in positions of authority have a
great deal of power, and it is important that they use that power responsibly. They should always
act with integrity, even when it is difficult. Authority and discretionary power are also important,
but they should always be used with integrity. People in positions of authority should never
