Why is discretion in the application of the law important? What are some problems that can emerge when discretion is used?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Significance of Discretion in Law Enforcement: Balancing Justice and Fairness
Discretion, the power to make decisions based on individual judgment within legal guidelines, plays a crucial role in the application of the law. While discretion allows for flexibility and adaptability in responding to unique circumstances, its use can also give rise to a range of challenges and potential issues. In this essay, we will explore the importance of discretion in law enforcement and examine some problems that can arise when discretion is exercised inappropriately or inconsistently.
Importance of Discretion in Law Enforcement
Discretion is an essential component of law enforcement that enables officers and legal professionals to navigate complex situations, address ambiguities in the law, and tailor responses to specific cases. By allowing for individual judgment within the bounds of legal frameworks, discretion promotes efficiency, fairness, and the pursuit of justice. Law enforcement officers often encounter diverse scenarios that require nuanced decision-making, and discretion empowers them to exercise judgment based on the principles of equity and public interest.
Challenges and Problems Associated with Discretion
Despite its benefits, the use of discretion in law enforcement can lead to various challenges and potential pitfalls. Some of the problems that can emerge when discretion is employed include:
– Bias and Discrimination: One of the most significant concerns related to discretion is the potential for bias and discrimination. When decision-making is influenced by personal beliefs, stereotypes, or prejudices, individuals from marginalized groups may experience unequal treatment or unfair outcomes. Implicit biases can shape how discretion is applied, leading to disparities in the administration of justice.
– Inconsistency and Unpredictability: The subjective nature of discretion can result in inconsistent outcomes across cases and jurisdictions. Variability in decision-making practices may undermine public trust in the legal system and erode perceptions of fairness. Inconsistencies in the application of discretion can breed confusion and uncertainty among individuals seeking justice.
– Abuse of Power: Excessive or unchecked discretion can open the door to potential abuses of power. When decision-makers act beyond their authority or engage in misconduct, the rights and liberties of individuals may be compromised. Misuse of discretion can undermine the rule of law and weaken the legitimacy of legal institutions.
– Lack of Accountability: Another problem associated with discretion is the challenge of ensuring accountability for decision-making processes. Transparency and oversight mechanisms are essential to monitor how discretion is exercised and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Without proper checks and balances, discretionary practices may lack accountability mechanisms, leading to potential abuses.
Mitigating Problems and Promoting Responsible Discretion
To address the problems that can arise from the use of discretion in law enforcement, it is crucial to implement strategies that promote responsible decision-making and mitigate potential biases and disparities. Training programs on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help law enforcement professionals recognize and address implicit biases. Clear guidelines, protocols, and oversight mechanisms can enhance consistency and accountability in discretionary practices. Additionally, promoting transparency and community engagement can foster trust and legitimacy in the legal system.
In conclusion, while discretion is a valuable tool in law enforcement that allows for flexibility and individual judgment, it is essential to be mindful of the challenges it can pose. By recognizing the potential problems associated with discretion and implementing measures to address bias, inconsistency, abuse of power, and lack of accountability, we can uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and equality in the application of the law. Striking a balance between discretion and accountability is crucial for promoting a legal system that serves the interests of all individuals and upholds the rule of law.
