Ethical Dilemma Worksheet
University of Phoenix Material
Ethical Dilemma Worksheet
Incident Review
1. What is the ethical issue or problem? Identify the issue succinctly.
The ethical issue develops when the truth is altered in the second or “signed off” report. The officer altered the report to state that they had actually witnessed the husband drive and park the car, although they had not.
2. What are the most important facts? Which facts have the most bearing on the ethical decision presented? Include any important potential economic, social, or political pressures, and exclude inconsequential facts.
The fact that the first report had said the officers only felt the vehicle with a warm hood, and only witnessed the husband walk up to the home. Is the …show more content…
Best-the husband will take this opportunity as a draw of luck and rehabilitate. The department and officers will not look bad for making an arrest without proper protocal.
Worst- the husband continues to drive while intoxicated and harms another person, the first arrest may come to light and the prosecutor may be reprimanded for not perusing charges the first time
Best-the husband will be taken off the streets and not allowed the opportunity to drive while intoxicated potentially causing harm to himself and others.
Worst- the truth will come to light and prosecutors and police officers are reprimanded for not telling the truth to begin with.
Will anyone be harmed if this alternative is chosen? If so, how will they be harmed? Consider families and derivative effects.
Yes, citizens can be harmed if accidents occur should the husband continue to drive while intoxicated. The wife may continue to be battered by the intoxicated husband.
The family may be harmed if the husband is arrested and he is the only source of income. The department may be harmed should the truth be …show more content…
Applying Ethical Guidelines
6. Consider each ethical guideline and explain whether it would support or reject your alternative.
Guidelines based on the action itself
Alternative A
Alternative B
Should this alternative become a rule or policy that everyone in this situation should follow in similar situations in the future? (Kant)
Yes
No
Does this alternative result in using any person as a means to an end without consideration for his or her basic integrity? (Kant)
Yes
Yes
Is the intent of this action free from vested interest or ulterior motive? (Kant’s good will)
Yes
No
Does this alternative demonstrate a genuine concern for others affected by the decision, and is the moral agency responding to a perceived need?
Yes
No
Guidelines based on consequences
Alternative A
Alternative B
Is the good that results from this alternative outweighed by the potential harm that might be done to others? (Mill’s harm principle)
No
No
Is any harm brought about by anyone other than the moral agent? (causal harm)
Yes
Yes
Will anyone be harmed who can be said to be defenseless?
Ethical Dilemma Worksheet
Incident Review
1. What is the ethical issue or problem? Identify the issue succinctly.
The ethical issue develops when the truth is altered in the second or “signed off” report. The officer altered the report to state that they had actually witnessed the husband drive and park the car, although they had not.
2. What are the most important facts? Which facts have the most bearing on the ethical decision presented? Include any important potential economic, social, or political pressures, and exclude inconsequential facts.
The fact that the first report had said the officers only felt the vehicle with a warm hood, and only witnessed the husband walk up to the home. Is the …show more content…
Best-the husband will take this opportunity as a draw of luck and rehabilitate. The department and officers will not look bad for making an arrest without proper protocal.
Worst- the husband continues to drive while intoxicated and harms another person, the first arrest may come to light and the prosecutor may be reprimanded for not perusing charges the first time
Best-the husband will be taken off the streets and not allowed the opportunity to drive while intoxicated potentially causing harm to himself and others.
Worst- the truth will come to light and prosecutors and police officers are reprimanded for not telling the truth to begin with.
Will anyone be harmed if this alternative is chosen? If so, how will they be harmed? Consider families and derivative effects.
Yes, citizens can be harmed if accidents occur should the husband continue to drive while intoxicated. The wife may continue to be battered by the intoxicated husband.
The family may be harmed if the husband is arrested and he is the only source of income. The department may be harmed should the truth be …show more content…
Applying Ethical Guidelines
6. Consider each ethical guideline and explain whether it would support or reject your alternative.
Guidelines based on the action itself
Alternative A
Alternative B
Should this alternative become a rule or policy that everyone in this situation should follow in similar situations in the future? (Kant)
Yes
No
Does this alternative result in using any person as a means to an end without consideration for his or her basic integrity? (Kant)
Yes
Yes
Is the intent of this action free from vested interest or ulterior motive? (Kant’s good will)
Yes
No
Does this alternative demonstrate a genuine concern for others affected by the decision, and is the moral agency responding to a perceived need?
Yes
No
Guidelines based on consequences
Alternative A
Alternative B
Is the good that results from this alternative outweighed by the potential harm that might be done to others? (Mill’s harm principle)
No
No
Is any harm brought about by anyone other than the moral agent? (causal harm)
Yes
Yes
Will anyone be harmed who can be said to be defenseless?