Power Vs Authority
Omar Shafi
Westwood College
Power Vs Authority: Week 3 2
"Authority and power are two different things: power is the force by means of which you can oblige others to obey you. Authority is the right to direct and command, to be listened to or obeyed by others. Authority requests power. Power without authority is tyranny." - JACQUES MARITAIN, "The Democratic Charter," Man and the State. There are many difference and in fact many similarities between power and authority. In the criminal justice system, one must realize that they will have both of these traits in possession and must use them wisely in order to maintain stability and balance. You will be given power through assistance from others in your field, through your specific skills you were taught which will develop each day physically and mentally, and people will realize your power as your progress. You will also have authority from your position and who you are as a person. Your influence in the field you work will make people respect you and see you as a higher authority. They will be advised from you from their mistakes and they will learn from you. It is from your power which they will give you authority and your presence. If they do not obey your authority from their negative acts, they will face the consequences, that is power from authority. Power must not be used in the wrong way. If your power is used for the wrong reasons, it can create chaos and you may face consequences from powers above you. Authority must not be used in the wrong way either. Through authority, people must listen and abide from you. You can make people do wrong things and that will cause you to have a bad image. Corrupt cops are an example of power and authority used in the wrong way. When they take advantage of what they are representing the law, they can get away with numerous things if planned and executed