Lesson 1!
!
Morality, Ethics, and Human Behavior!
CRM 361: Principles and Ethics in Criminal Justice!
Dr. Rivolta!
CCSU!
Fall 2014 !
Lesson Objectives!
1. Give examples of how discretion permeates every phase of the criminal justice system and creates ethical dilemmas for criminal justice professionals.! 2. Explain why the study of ethics is important for criminal justice professionals.!
3. Learn the definitions of the important terms (e.g., morals, ethics, duties, superogatories, and values).! 4. Describe what behaviors might be subject to moral/ethical judgments.!
5. Explain the difference between ethical issues and ethical dilemmas.!
(brainstorming/opening discussion)!
WHY STUDY ETHICS?!
1
9/2/14
Definition #1!
#1 DISCRETION = The power and authority to make a choice between two or more options.! Discretion for legislators?!
Discretion for police officers?!
Discretion for attorneys and judges?!
Discretion for correctional professionals?!
What Do Criminal Justice Professionals
Have in Common?!
!
Power to make decisions (i.e., discretion)!
!
Duty to enforce the law!
!
Obligation to provide “due process” and
“equal protection” for all!
!
Commitment to public service!
(paid by public purse)!
!
!
CASE STUDY!
!
The Most
Corrupt
Members of
Congress,
2011!
!
!
Allegations! q 19 members of congress were corrupt! q 14 members violated the law or engaged in serious misconduct! q 5 lacked regard for rules!
2
9/2/14
Public Servants?!
Are there certain behaviors that are allowable for some members of society but not others? !
• Should a criminal court judge be allowed to gamble in a legal casino?!
• Why is it newsworthy for a politician to be seen in a strip club?!
Principles of Public Service Ethics!
1. Public Service !
2. Objective Judgment !
3. Accountability !
4. Democratic Leadership !
5. Respectability!
Again, what's the point of studying! ethics (in criminal justice)?!
Because criminal justice is uniquely