Discussion Board: Chapter 1
Is the study of ethics important for CJ professionals? Why or why not? How are ethics, morals, and values different from each other or are they? What is the difference between an ethical issue and an ethical dilemma?
Yes, ethics studies are severely critical for CJ personnel. They are under constant challenges of moral problems and matters per day to see daily lives changed drastically by ethical issues that are not simple but embroiled with a lack of light truth. A developed moral compass can direct CJ practitioners to judge between right and wrong acts, based on which they take action that leads them into paths of Justice.
Ethics gives the moral principles and structures guiding what to do or not do wrong. Values are personal beliefs about what constitutes acceptable behavior. The values support ethics and morals regarding overarching ideals or standards governing individual behaviors. The rightness of an action can be questioned or debated, which forms the basis for ethical issues. Selecting between two harmful alternatives to solve a problem represents and gives rise to an Ethical dilemma. As professionals in the field of CJ strive to enforce the law, ensure public safety, and also impart Justice by guarding citizens’ rights, they need an aggressive analysis through which an ethical mindset will be activated.
Discussion Board: Chapter 2
What is a deontological ethical system, and what is a teleological moral system? How are they similar, and how are they different? What is relativism, and what is absolutism? How does one determine whether or not an act is ethical?
Deontological ethical systems evaluate whether an action is moral or immoral based on defined duties commanding observance of rules and norms according to which actions are righteous. For instance, honesty and telling the truth are acceptable in every aspect of deontology ethics. On the other hand, teleological ethics relies on results or consequences that actions tend to achieve, and then, by results, they are determined as values. A fascinating example is utilitarianism, which is actions that bring out maximum good to the most significant number of people.
Deontology focuses on the action, while teleology highlights results. They both serve as bases for appropriate ethical choices. A balanced approach of wise insights gleaned from rules and responsibilities tempered by direct concern about what real-world impacts entail so that principles align with practical Justice is helpful. Absolutism holds that specific moral standards apply universally, whereas relativism says morality is relative to culture or individual preferences. CJ practitioners can cite moral absolutism to bolster such essential human rights, but cultural relativism would allow them to serve the many diverse communities satisfactorily. When making assessments of complex situations, several ethical tools should be used.
Discussion Board: Chapter 3
Three elements are usually used when defining “justice.” What are these, and how do they contribute to the definition? How did Aristotle define Justice? Which is more important, substantive or procedural Justice, and why?
The criteria of fairness, desert, and entitlement usually identify Justice. Fairness, on the other hand, is basing everything objectively and impartially. Desert means to receive what one has deserved according to actions performed. Entitlement refers to individuals’ rights to essential resources and living conditions. According to Braswell, Burgason, & England (2023), Aristotle started a doctrine of Justice, which became quite popular and was related proportionally, as disputes significantly number the equal cases are settled equally and unequal commensurately with their inequality.
Most specialists maintain that procedural Justice is always necessary for substantive Justice. Procedural Justice refers to impartial policies and processes of determination that cannot be biased. Substantive Justice refers to receiving just and reasonable results. This factor adheres to equitable procedures, enforces consistent regulations, and increases people’s trust in institutions. Although results are also critical, research reveals that when community members see the systems and processes as fair, it is easier to accept end decisions as legitimate.
Discussion Board: Chapter 4
What are the three primary schools of theory that explain human behavior? How does Kohlberg describe moral growth? How can CJ leaders promote ethical behavior among their subordinates?
Several significant schools clarify human behavior. The classical school led by Cesar Baccarat argued that people are calculative and make rational cost-benefit considerations before perpetrating crime. The biological school of thought links genetics, neurochemistry, and anatomical abnormalities to aggression and criminality. The positivist school uses scientific reasoning to examine how environmental and social factors influence deviance.
Kohlberg’s moral development categorizes ethical reasoning into three tiers with two stages per one. One ascends by using more advanced intelligence and surpassing nakedly self-centered concerns. With their high moral code, leaders demonstrate ethical behavior and initiate a shift in the workplace’s culture towards integrity. Other tactics to further advance ethics are maintaining transparency around rules and cases and rewarding ethical measures in public before taking verdicts on misconduct that should be punished devotedly. Soliciting employees’ opinions regarding policy is an essential aspect as well since, without employee feedback, it would be a little tricky, if not impossible, for supervisors or managers alike to write policies that work optimally with
Ethical training is done regularly, but focusing on analyzed case studies in most cases refines ethical decision-making skills. CJ leaders have a massive burden in fighting for Justice (Braswell, 2023). Implementing ethics through words and deeds at the individual, organizational, and system levels in line with this responsibility promotes equitable ways to lead.
Reference
Braswell, M. C., Burgason, K. A., & England, R. C. (2023). Criminal Justice: An ethic for the future. In Justice, crime, and ethics (pp. 473-490). Routledge.
Sihombing, L. A., & Nuraeni, Y. (2023). Norms and Ethics in Criminal Justice: Assessing Contemporary Legal Policy. Jurnal Info Sains: Informatika dan Sains, 13(03), 1088-1099.