Ethics in Criminal Justice
Outline Case Study Criminal Justice: Ethical Issues
Is it ethical to allow businesses to engage in activities that may result in harm to underserved populations? What is ethics in criminal justice?
Does a company have an obligation to shut down if it is producing a product that results in child abuse to an underserved population? What solutions are presented?
Power -- Power is a word heard but misunderstood. It is often thought of as authority, and even more often abused. What is power? How can it be used ethically?
Self-Interest -- Ciulla presents the question, "Is self-interest the only thing that motivates us?" Is it? This question explored…Kant, moral laws
Virtue -- What is virtue? Is right morality and decision making applied ethically in the world of business? What qualifies virtuous actions for individuals? For business?
d. Character -- What is referent power? How can a leader with charisma and reputation use that in a good way? How can a leader control an organization in a moral and right way, and how can character be used in a negative way? Is character the result of culture and relativism, or is it something else?
e. Duty -- Is duty something that is expedient and morally required? Is there a conflict between duty and self-interest? Can duty make you do what is good and yet you feel bad?
f. Social Utility -- Is social utility something that only exceptional individuals or heroes can accomplish?
g. Justice As Fairness -- Is justice always fair and right? What is the dividing line between what is just and fair and what one can do to correct wrong behaviors? Can you force someone to do something?
h. The Moral Relationships Of Leaders and Followers -- What obligations do leaders have to set an example?
III. Conclusion -- Ethics in the criminal justice system is a complex phenomenon involving power, duty, virtue, character, an understanding of the relationship of self-interest to social justice and more. It is critical to understand how to identify immoral behavior and address it.
