Ethics, Morality, and Decision-Making in Criminal Justice

what is ethics?

The discipline of determining good, evil, and defining moral duties

What is morality?

The practice of good conduct; principles of right and wrong

Are the terms ethics and morals interchangeable?

Yes, often used interchangeably.

Ethics (Greek: ethos - custom/character)

Morals (Latin: moralis - character)

Why is studying ethics important in criminal justice?

Develops critical thinking

Helps evaluate discretion, power, and duty

Ensures due process and protects rights

Prevents abuse of authority

Important for public servants impacting lives

What is meta-ethics?

he study of the meaning and nature of ethical systems and moral language.

What is normative ethics?

Determines and defines moral duties based on ethical systems.

What is applied ethics?

Applies ethical principles to real-life issues.

What is professional ethics?

A type of applied ethics that applies to specific professions or groups.

Socrates' view on bad acts?

Bad acts happen due to ignorance

Plato's idea of a good life?

A good life fits the nature of the person

Aristotle's view on bad behavior?

Some people do bad things because they are morally weak or bad.

Stoic philosophy on ethics?

Humans are rational and should seek virtue.

What are duties in ethics?

Actions someone must perform to be moral; role-based responsibilities.Example: Police reporting truthfully

What are values in ethics?

judgments of desirability or importance (e.g., honesty, religion, success)

Define ethical issues

Broad, controversial questions about what is right; often involve government or justice.Example: The death penalty

Define ethical dilemmas

Specific situations where the right action is unclear or carries negative outcomes.Example: Not scanning an item or telling someone about cheating

Steps to resolve an ethical dilemma?

identify facts

Identify relevant values/concepts

Identify all moral dilemmas

Decide the most immediate issue

Resolve using ethical system

What are supererogatory acts?

Good actions that are not required but go above and beyond.Example: A civilian breaking up a fight

Why should you identify your values?

So you aren't "walking around blindfolded" — values guide your moral compass.

What three questions should you ask yourself in ethical situations?

Do you mean it?

Can you defend it?

Did you say it with love?

What is discretion in criminal justice?

The power to make decisions based on judgment, often used by police, judges, and prosecutors.

Why is ethical reasoning important for public servants?

Because they hold power, influence lives, enforce laws, and can easily misuse authority if not guided by ethics.

Example of a real-life ethical dilemma?

You find out a friend is cheating on their partner. Do you tell their partner or stay silent

Example of an ethical issue?

Debating whether the death penalty is morally acceptable or unjust.

what does it mean to be a "Good Samaritan"?

Someone who goes above and beyond to help others without being required to—an example of supererogatory action

Who has greater ethical duties: a security guard or a customer in a fight? Why?

The security guard, because their role comes with an ethical duty to protect and act.

Duty:

Action tied to role/responsibility (e.g., truth-telling as a cop

What is the goal of studying applied ethics?

To apply ethical systems and principles to real-life moral problems.

What does the "emotional agility" video encourage us to do?

Identify and understand our values so we can live and act more intentionally.

What does it mean when someone says, "Are you a domino?" in ethics?

It's a metaphor for whether your actions are influenced by others or if you act based on your values.

What is meant by the phrase "Leaving the world better than you found it"?

An ethical mindset that emphasizes making positive impacts through your actions and values.

What did the Stoics believe was the essential human trait?

Reason. They believed virtue comes from living in alignment with rationality.

What is an example of a professional ethical code?

police officer's duty to avoid using excessive force, even in stressful situations.

What does "can you defend it?" mean in ethics?

It asks whether your actions or decisions can be supported with rational, moral reasoning.

What is ethical analysis?

The process of examining a situation through ethical principles to determine the most moral choice.

Why are values considered "personal"?

Because they differ from person to person based on upbringing, culture, beliefs, and life experiences.