Southern New Hampshire University
CJ 230: Discretion in Criminal Justice
Module 3 Notes
Morality in the Decision-Making Process
What is ethics and how is it an essential component of the criminal justice system?
Ethics are the moral principles that guide our behavior. They are the rules that we follow
in order to do what is right and avoid doing what is wrong. The criminal justice system is
based on the idea that people should be treated fairly and justly. In order for the system to
work effectively, it is essential that the people who work in the system act ethically.
There are a number of reasons why ethics are important in the criminal justice system.
First, ethics help to ensure that the system is fair and just. When people act ethically, they
are more likely to make decisions that are fair to everyone involved. Second, ethics help
to protect the rights of the accused. When people act ethically, they are more likely to
uphold the rights of the accused and to ensure that they receive a fair trial. Third, ethics
help to build trust and confidence in the criminal justice system. When people see that the
system is being run by ethical people, they are more likely to trust the system and to
cooperate with its officials. Fourth, ethics help to prevent corruption. When people act
ethically, they are less likely to engage in corrupt behavior, such as bribery or extortion.
Finally, ethics help to make the criminal justice system more effective. When people act
ethically, they are more likely to make decisions that are in the best interests of the
community.
How might personal characteristics such as morals, duties, and values influence ethics?
Personal characteristics such as morals, duties, and values can influence ethics in a
number of ways. First, personal characteristics can shape our understanding of what is
right and wrong. For example, someone who believes that it is their duty to help others
may be more likely to volunteer their time or donate to charity. Second, personal
characteristics can motivate us to act ethically. For example, someone who values
honesty may be more likely to tell the truth, even when it is difficult. Third, personal
characteristics can help us to make ethical decisions. For example, someone who can
think critically and weigh the pros and cons of different options may be more likely to
make decisions that are in the best interests of everyone involved. Fourth, personal
characteristics can help us to deal with ethical dilemmas. For example, someone who can
communicate effectively and build relationships may be more likely to resolve ethical
dilemmas peacefully and in a way that is fair to everyone involved. In conclusion,
personal characteristics can have a significant impact on our ethics. By understanding our
own personal characteristics and how they can influence our ethical behavior, we can
make better choices and create a more ethical world.
What are the differences and similarities between ethical issues and ethical dilemmas?
The main difference between ethical issues and ethical dilemmas is that ethical issues are
situations in which there is a clear right and wrong, while ethical dilemmas are situations
in which there are two or more competing ethical principles or values that make it
difficult to determine what is the right thing to do. Ethical issues are often easy to resolve
because there is a clear right and wrong answer. For example, it is generally considered
to be unethical to steal from someone. In this case, there is no need to weigh competing
ethical principles or values. The answer is simply not to steal. Ethical dilemmas, on the
other hand, are more difficult to resolve because there is no clear right or wrong answer.
For example, an ethical dilemma might arise when a doctor is faced with a patient who
needs a life-saving treatment that is not covered by their insurance. In this case, the
doctor must weigh the ethical principle of providing quality care for all patients with the
ethical principle of not wasting resources. There is no easy answer to this dilemma, and
the doctor will have to make a difficult decision. Despite the differences between ethical
issues and ethical dilemmas, there are also some similarities. Both types of situations
involve making a decision that is in line with ethical principles. Additionally, both types
of situations can have a significant impact on the lives of others. It is important to be
aware of the differences between ethical issues and ethical dilemmas so that you can
make informed decisions when faced with these types of situations.
What are the biological influences on the ethical behavior of criminal justice
professionals, including major research findings?
There is a growing body of research that explores the biological influences on the ethical
behavior of criminal justice professionals. Some of the major findings from this research
include:
Genetic factors: Some studies have found that certain genes may be associated with
ethical behavior. For example, one study found that a gene called COMT was associated
with ethical decision-making in police officers.
Brain chemistry: Some studies have found that certain brain chemicals, such as oxytocin
and dopamine, may be associated with ethical behavior. For example, one study found
that oxytocin was associated with increased trust and cooperation in police officers.
Personality traits: Some studies have found that certain personality traits, such as
conscientiousness and empathy, may be associated with ethical behavior. For example,
one study found that conscientious police officers were more likely to follow the law and
to treat suspects fairly.
It is important to note that these findings are preliminary, and more research is needed to
confirm these results. Additionally, it is important to remember that biology is only one
factor that influences ethical behavior. Environmental factors, such as upbringing and
education, also play a role. Despite these limitations, the research on biological
influences on the ethical behavior of criminal justice professionals is important. This
research can help us to understand how biology may affect the ethical decisions that these
professionals make. Additionally, this research can help us to develop interventions that
can help these professionals to make more ethical decisions.
What are the psychological theories that attempt to explain individual differences in
behavior?
There are many different psychological theories that attempt to explain individual differences in
behavior. Some of the most well-known theories include:
Psychoanalytic theory:4This theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, suggests that our
personality is shaped by our unconscious thoughts and desires. According to this
theory, we have three parts to our personality: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id
is the part of our personality that is driven by our basic needs and desires. The ego is
the part of our personality that is responsible for managing the id and trying to satisfy
its needs in a realistic way. The superego is the part of our personality that is
responsible for our moral beliefs and values.
Humanistic theory:4This theory, developed by Carl Rogers, suggests that our personality
is shaped by our experiences and our self-concept. According to this theory, we are all
born with a natural tendency towards growth and self-actualization. However, our
experiences can sometimes get in the way of this growth.
Social cognitive theory:4This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, suggests that our
personality is shaped by our interactions with the environment. According to this
theory, we learn by observing others and by imitating their behavior. We also learn by
being rewarded or punished for our own behavior.
These are just a few of the many psychological theories that attempt to explain individual
differences in behavior. These theories can help us to understand why people behave the way
they do and to develop interventions that can help people to change their behavior.
What are the work group influences on behavior?
Work group influences on behavior can be both positive and negative. Some of the
positive influences include:
oIncreased productivity: When people work together in a group, they can often
accomplish more than they could by themselves. This is because they can share ideas,
divide up tasks, and support each other.
oImproved morale: Working in a group can also help to improve morale. When people
feel like they are part of a team and that they are contributing to something important,
they are more likely to be happy and motivated.
oIncreased innovation: Groups can also be a breeding ground for innovation. When
people come together with different ideas and perspectives, they can often come up with
new and creative solutions to problems.
oSome of the negative influences include:
oGroupthink: Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when people make decisions
based on the consensus of the group, rather than on their own individual judgment. This
can lead to poor decisions, as the group may not consider all of the options or may make
decisions that are not in the best interests of the group as a whole.
oSocial loafing: Social loafing is a phenomenon that occurs when people put less effort
into a task when they are part of a group. This is because they feel like they do not have
to work as hard, as the other members of the group will pick up the slack.
oBullying: Bullying can occur in any group, but it is especially common in work groups.
Bullying can take many forms, such as verbal abuse, physical abuse, or emotional abuse.
It can have a devastating impact on the victim, as it can lead to low self-esteem,
depression, and even suicide.
What are the cultural and societal influences on behavior?
Culture and society have a profound impact on our behavior. They shape our values, our
beliefs, and our expectations. They also influence the way we interact with others and the
way we make decisions. Culture is the shared values, beliefs, and customs of a group of
people. It is learned through social interaction and passed down from one generation to
the next. Society is the larger group of people who share a common culture. It is made up
of different groups, such as families, communities, and organizations. Culture and society
can influence our behavior in many ways. For example, they can influence our choices
about what to eat, how to dress, and what to do for fun. They can also influence our
views on important issues, such as religion, politics, and education. In addition, culture
and society can influence our behavior in more subtle ways. For example, they can
influence our expectations about how others should behave. They can also influence our
sense of self-identity. It is important to be aware of the cultural and societal influences on
our behavior. By understanding these influences, we can make better choices about how
to live our lives. We can also be more understanding of others and their behavior.
Why is discretion critical to policing?
Discretion is important in policing because it allows officers to make decisions on how to
enforce the law. This is necessary because the law is not always clear, and there may be
situations where it is not clear what the best course of action is. Discretion also allows
officers to take into account the specific circumstances of a situation, and to make
decisions that are in the best interests of the community. There are both pros and cons to
police discretion. On the one hand, it can allow officers to be more flexible and to make
decisions that are tailored to the specific situation. On the other hand, it can also lead to
bias and discrimination, as officers may make decisions based on their own personal
beliefs or prejudices. It is important for police departments to have clear policies and
procedures in place that guide officers in their use of discretion. These policies should be
based on the law and on the best practices of other police departments. Officers should
also be trained on how to use discretion effectively and how to avoid bias and
discrimination. Ultimately, the use of discretion is a complex issue with no easy answers.
However, it is an important tool that police officers need to have in order to be effective
in their work.
How is professionalism defined in policing?
Professionalism in policing is defined as the act of performing one's duties in a manner that is
consistent with the highest standards of ethics and conduct. This includes being impartial, fair,
and just in all dealings with the public, and always acting in a way that upholds the law and the
Constitution. Professionalism also means being honest, trustworthy, and reliable, and always
acting in a way that reflects positively on the police department and the law enforcement
profession.
There are several factors that contribute to professionalism in policing, including:
Education and training: All police officers must receive extensive training in the law,
criminal justice, and police procedures. This training helps officers to develop the
knowledge and skills they need to perform their duties in a professional manner.
Supervision: Police officers are supervised by their superiors, who are responsible for
ensuring that they are following the department's policies and procedures. Supervisors
also provide feedback to officers on their performance and help them to identify areas
where they can improve.
Culture: The culture of a police department can also play a role in promoting
professionalism. A department with a strong culture of professionalism will have officers
who are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and conduct.
Professionalism is essential for effective policing. Professional police officers are more likely to
be respected by the public, and they are also more likely to be successful in preventing and
solving crime.
