Ethics in Criminal Justice

1.:
a. Explain the difference between morals, ethics and values.

b. An instructor mistakenly gives credit for a wrong test answer. The student, being honest, informs the instructor of the mistake. The issue presented to the instructor is, does she deduct points now that the error has been brought to her attention. Using the concept of utilitarianism (see Chapter 4), make an argument that the instructor should not deduct points.

c. Compare and contrast the four (4) approaches to explaining criminal behavior (see Chapter 5). Be sure to address the cause of crime and the prescribed remedy for all four.

d. In South Carolina, a young mother, Susan Smith, killed her two children by leaving them in a car that she rolled into a lake. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison. What are the four (4) justifications/goals for why Susan Smith was punished? (See Chapter 8)

e. During the 1990s, legislation was introduced in Texas that would result in a drug dealer’s finger being amputated for each conviction he/she received. This bill was introduced in an effort to imitate the penalty for theft in some Islamic countries. How would each ethical system evaluate this proposed punishment (Formalism, Virtue Ethics and Utilitarianism)?

2. Having taken this class and discussing ethical issues in the criminal justice system, do you believe it is important for all criminal justice professionals to take classes on ethics and continue to study ethics throughout their careers? Why or why not?

3. Describe and explain the ethical dilemmas and issues faced by the following: (1) police, (2) prosecutors, (3) defense attorneys, (4) judges, and (5) correctional officers. Which criminal justice player faces the most significant ethical dilemmas and issues? Why?

4. Describe and explain what you believe to be the biggest ethical dilemma faced by the criminal justice system today?