Describe the role and significance of ethics in criminal justice.
Summarize an ethical theory that will guide your conduct in your role.
Consider the theories you learned in Weeks 4 and 5.
Include details related to the core principles and criticisms of the theory.
Explain the significance of the theory in criminal justice and your role as a corrections officer.
Create 2 original examples to illustrate your selected ethical theory in action within your duties as youth
Ethics serves as the foundational moral compass for the entire criminal justice system. Its role is to guide the actions and decisions of professionals—from police officers and prosecutors to judges and corrections officers—to ensure that the pursuit of justice is fair, equitable, and respects the fundamental rights of all individuals. Without a strong ethical framework, the system is susceptible to corruption, abuse of power, and systemic injustice.
The significance of ethics lies in its ability to:
Uphold Public Trust: A criminal justice system perceived as ethical and just is one that the public trusts. This trust is essential for cooperation with law enforcement, compliance with legal decisions, and the overall legitimacy of the government.
Prevent Abuse of Power: Professionals in the criminal justice field wield significant power, including the authority to detain, prosecute, and punish. Ethics provides a check on this power, ensuring it is used responsibly and within the confines of the law, rather than for personal gain or prejudice.