Discussion: One of the objectives of this course is to be able to apply the information that you have learned in class to the real world. In order to facilitate this, over the course of the semester, you will turn in two written assignments that outline a current event that can be examined from an ethical standpoint. These will be worth 25 points each. The due date for the second reaction paper is November 6, 2014, and is due on WyoCourses before 11:59 p.m. on that date. A late paper will be docked 5 points for each day it is late.
Directions: In order to complete this assignment, you will need to locate a challenging current events article (within the past two years) from newspapers, magazines, or internet that presents an ethical dilemma involving criminal justice. The article will provide the criminal justice-related ethical dilemma that you will evaluate from an “applied ethics approach” (Pollock, 2014, p. 14). Your paper must be organized along the lines described for analyzing ethical dilemmas provided in your Pollock textbook on pages 16 – 17, but use the following headings (in bold):
Summary Paragraph : Provide a brief summary of the morally relevant facts; the existence of relevant roles/status/relationships of the actors.
Relevant Concepts and Values: Briefly identify the relevant values at stake, being mindful of the difference between disagreements over values and disagreements over concepts.
Immediate Dilemma(s) Involved: Identify how the situation presents the actor with a difficult decision to make—“either because the right course of action is not clear or the right course of action carries negative consequences” (Pollock, 2014, p. 431). Note: This should present an ethical dilemma for a particular criminal justice actor, not an “ethical issue”. (0 credit for this section if it does not require a decision by a criminal justice actor or is not a dilemma!)
Evaluation Section: Follow the format used by Pollock in the “Ethical Dilemma” features in the textbook (e.g., Pollock, 2014, p. 124). First, identify and explain the relevant laws, then policies, if any, that apply. After that, the largest part of your paper should be devoted to identifying and applying at least three ethical systems discussed in your text to resolve the dilemma (e.g., the virtues/vices being demonstrated/cultivated; intentions; rights; the nature and benefits/harms of alternative actions to the self, other individuals, groups, institutions; effects on relationships; the common good; etc.). Two of those theories must be utilitarianism and ethical formalism. The third can be any other you choose. Cite the Pollock text in describing the ethical system involved. Weigh the considerations you have developed to determine what you would do.
Conclusion: State what you would do in response to the dilemma. Identify which of the considerations developed in your evaluation most influenced your decision.
