Ethical Systems - created from Mind Map

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Virtue Ethic

  

Virtue ethics emphasizes character and virtues above

actions. People strive for purity and make choices based on them under this

system. Honesty, integrity, and justice may be ethical in criminal justice (Pollock,

2021).

  A good example of this would be someone who returns a lost wallet with honesty as a matter of principle.

Ethic of Care

  

Relationships and moral obligations are emphasized instead of autonomy and rules. It

requires empathy for others, particularly vulnerable ones. Criminal justice

decisions may include victims, criminals, and communities' well-being.

Ex: Rather than buying your child an additional toy, you should donate money to an organization devoted to helping disadvantaged children worldwide.  The ethics of care - YouTube

Utilitarian Ethic

"Greatest good for the greatest number"

The concept is that actions are good or bad based on their consequences for happiness. By maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering, it seeks to improve the quality of life for as many people as possible, regardless of who they are or what they value

Ex: Using utilitarianism, tax increases could be justified if public services are improved

The doctrine of divine command/Religion

Based on religious beliefs, this system holds that an action is ethical if it conforms to the commands of God. The practice of forgiveness may be influenced by the teachings of one's religion, for example

Morality ethic

Duty or obligation is the basis for this ethical system. In this view, specific actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the outcome. It is always right to tell the truth, even if it results in negative consequences.

Culture/relativism

Depending on the culture and individual, the ethics of morality are subjective. Tardiness, for instance, may be considered rude and disrespectful in some societies, but regular and acceptable in others.

Egoism

The egoistic ethic. Individuals should act in their own self-interest in accordance with this system. Consider the case of a company that wishes to dump waste into a river in order to maximize profits, regardless of objections from downstream residents

Natural Law

It is believed that humans are endowed with an inherent sense of right and wrong that governs their decision-making and behavior. Alternatively, the natural law theory assumes that humans have an innate understanding of right and wrong, guiding their behavior and reasoning. It's universally accepted that killing someone is wrong and that punishing someone for killing someone is proper and even necessary.

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Lesly Decossa

Quincy College

Criminal Justice Ethics

Pollock's 11th edition of "Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice" discusses ethical frameworks to assist criminal justice professionals in making moral decisions. The book covers these critical ethical systems:

Maximum pleasure or utility is the basis of utilitarianism. Criminal justice utilitarianism may include making judgments that benefit the most people. The pros and cons of different acts must frequently be weighed.

Deontology stresses the intrinsic morality of actions and is based on principles and laws. In criminal justice, this may mean following morality regardless of the consequences. Observing the law even if it results in unfavourable effects.

Virtue ethics emphasizes character and virtues above actions. People strive for purity and make choices based on them under this system. Honesty, integrity, and justice may be ethical in criminal justice (Pollock, 2021).

A social contract or agreement among society's members underpins this ethical framework. It argues that an organisation decides ethics. This may include following social contract rules and norms in criminal justice.

In criminal justice, restorative justice is a new ethical approach. Repairing criminal damage and reuniting offenders and victims are its goals. Criminal behaviour's root causes are addressed to foster healing and reconciliation.

Feminist ethics addresses gender and inequality. This ethical stance may emphasize gender prejudice, discrimination, and women's unique issues in the criminal justice system.

Ethics of Care: Relationships and moral obligations are emphasized. It requires empathy for others, particularly vulnerable ones. Criminal justice decisions may include victims, criminals, and communities' well-being.

According to natural law theory, ethics come from a higher moral order or natural law. This might consist of harmonizing criminal justice judgments with moral absolutes like human dignity and rights.

These ethical theories address criminal justice ethical concerns differently. Complex scenarios may contain opposing moral standards; therefore, criminal justice professionals must evaluate numerous ethical viewpoints while making choices. Understanding these ethical frameworks may help people navigate the criminal justice system ethically.

Reference

Pollock, J. M. (2021). Ethical dilemmas and decisions in criminal justice.