Ethical dilemmas permeate the criminal justice
| Final Project: Case Study. Ethical dilemmas permeate the criminal justice. At every level, in each segment of the system, people are exercising discretion that will influence the fate of an individual and/or the security of the community. Incongruous laws, regulations, policies and practices create conflicts and distort the basis upon which judgments are made. Very often these conflicts result in an ethical dilemma. Which is the appropriate course of action? What is the moral/ethical rational for the decisions that were made? What purposes or principles are served? This project will ask you to consider a sequence of decisions (do, or not do) all of which contribute, directly or indirectly the final scene.For each of the three (3) scenarios, your assignment is to: Examine each situation and describe the ethical and/or moral question, Describe what you believe to be the motivation of the actor and the potential consequences of BOTH/EACH options, Identify the decision you believe the actor SHOULD make, and Provide the ethical basis for your decision. Connect the ethical basis for your decision to ethical theories introduced at the beginning of the course and explain the rational for this connection. Each decision must be considered separately and not be influenced by earlier decisions and/or actions. This project is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their understanding of ethics and value-based decisions. Most of these situations do not have a single correct answer. Grading is NOT based on solving the problem that is presented to the actor but in identifying the ethical dilemmas and determining and explaining the most ethical course of action.————————————————————————————————————- 1. The judgeJudge Jeffery Owens is very troubled by the felony case before him. The defendant, Woodrow Wilson, had been found guilty of armed robbery of a liquor store. The case alleged that Wilson had a handgun in plain sight when he entered the Sin-Yon liquor store, that he hit the owner in the head with the weapon and forced him to open the cash drawer. Fleeing the scene on foot, Woodrow only got a few blocks before responding police officers spotted him and made the arrest. The prosecutor, armed with the recovered cash, video surveillance and an eyewitness as evidence had an easy case. Now it is time for sentencing.Jeffery saw the demonstration of business owners in the hallway when he entered the courthouse that morning. They were chanting “Justice for our victims” and were demanding a lengthy prison sentence. The Pre-Sentence Investigation report said Wilson was suffering from acute addiction and associated mental problems that had caused these violent (but not criminal) outbreaks in the past. There is no information in the file that Wilson has ever received treatment for his disorders. Jeffery knows that, due to budget cuts, the state prison system has very little in the way of addictive or behavioral disorder treatment programs. The prisons had reverted to merely warehousing inmates. However, he had read that the county jail had received a federal grant to establish exactly the kind of services that it appeared Wilson needed. Obviously, he had no way of knowing if this or any treatment would be successful for Wilson. Sentencing guidelines were established to ensure that defendants convicted of similar offenses received similar punishments. According to the sentencing guidelines, Wilson should be sentenced to 5-7 years in the state correctional prison system. Jeffery knows that the business community was calling for the maximum sentence. The county jail only took inmates sentenced to eighteen months or less. What sentence should Judge Owens impose on Mr. Wilson? 2. The District AttorneyJessica ran a successful campaign for district attorney on a very conservative platform generally critical of the incumbent’s inability or unwillingness to prosecute police misconduct with criminal charges. The city’s police chief did not support her campaign. He felt that administrative actions that could result is fines, suspensions, demotion or termination of employment were sufficient punishment. Additionally, victims could sue an officer in civil court if the officer acted outside the scope of their authority and immunity. The chief felt that these consequences should be sufficient for any police misconduct except, perhaps, a felony. Since her election Jessica has brought criminal charges of larceny against one officer for switching city tires off his patrol car on to his personal car. She also brought assault charges against an officer when she learned a suspect needed medical treatment for wrist abrasions due to her handcuffs being too tight. Recently several assistants have cautioned her that they are losing criminal cases, including serious felony cases, because police officers are either not appearing to testify at court or are having “difficulty remembering” critical details during their testimony. This started in traffic court but has also occurred in misdemeanor trials as well. The feeling is these officers are retaliating against the district attorney’s officer for the criminal charges being brought against members of the police force. The pattern is quite clear and getting worse. Prosecutors are complaining that police detectives are “too busy” to return their calls. Jessica understands she cannot successfully prosecute criminal cases without the cooperation of the police department. At the same time, she feels as though she is being bullied by an overly protective autocratic police chief. She feels she can and should prosecute police officer for any criminal offense …and feels that her election demonstrated that the community agrees with her. What should Jessica do? 3. The OfficerScot is still on probation as a police department rookie. While on probation he can be dismissed at any time for any reason and would not be entitled to a trail board or hearing prior to dismissal. During the course of his patrol duties Scot has cause to stop a car for a legitimate but minor traffic violation. The motorist was highly agitated at being stopped “for no reason” and, using a variety of obscene references and racial slurs, adamantly expressed how upset he was. Agitated, Scot told the man to exit the vehicle and place his hands on the hood of his car. Scot looked through the car interior, and then took the keys out of the ignition to open the trunk. Seeing what Scot was doing the driver told Scot to stop and that he could absolutely not search the trunk of the car. Ignoring this, Scot opened the trunk and discovered in plain view a large, clear plastic bag containing thousands of pharmaceutical-type capsules. Scot could hear the driver screaming, “That ain’t mine. That ain’t mine.” Scot suddenly realized he has committed an illegal search. What should Scot do? Format Requirements Paper must be double spaced, 11 or 12 pt font and 1” margins all around.All APA 7th edition format requirements must be followed (cover page, in text citations, reference page). Refer to APA/UMGC – learning resources found in the content page of this course.You must have resources to support your thoughts/opinions/information. These must be cited both in text as well as at the end of the document. Your paper should not contain direct quotes, sourced material must be paraphrased. | |
| Due Date | |
| Oct 9, 2022 11:59 PM |
Hide Rubrics
Rubric Name: A MODEL Rubric for CCJS Projects – Max points
Print Rubric
| Criteria | Equivalent to an A | Equivalent to a B | Equivalent to a C | Equivalent to a D or F | Criterion Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall content of paper or project. Value: 20 points | 20 pointsThe paper is exemplary. Content of the paper exceeds all information required by assignment, demonstrates critical thinking skills, sophisticated analysis and other perspectives. Points available: 18-20 | 17.9 pointsPaper indicates effort above and beyond the Project Description in the areas of research, analysis, critical thinking, etc. Points available: 16-17.9 | 15.9 pointsIn general, the content of the paper addresses the information required by the assignment.Points available: 14-15.9 | 13.9 pointsThe overall content of the paper addresses less than the minimal amount of the information required by the assignment. It demonstrates marginal work and does not reflect an understanding of the project. Points available D: 12 -13.9Points available F: 11.9 | Score of Overall content of paper or project. Value: 20 points,/ 20 |
| Overall analysis and critical thinking Value: 20 points | 20 pointsAnalysis and critical thinking is evident throughout the paper, beyond the requirements in the Project Description Points available: 18-20 | 17.9 pointsPaper includes evidence of analysis and critical thinking beyond the requirements in the Project Description Points available: 16-17.9 | 15.9 pointsThe analysis and critical thinking is consistent with the requirements in the Project Description Points available: 14-15.9 | 13.9 pointsThe analysis and critical thinking reflected in this paper did not meet the requirements in the Project DescriptionPoints available D: 12-13.9Points available F: 0-11.9 | Score of Overall analysis and critical thinking Value: 20 points,/ 20 |
| Responsiveness to Project Description: All elements are included. Value: 10 points | 10 pointsAssignment is formatted exactly as required.Points available: 9-10 | 8.9 pointsAssignment is formatted as required with minor/ inconsequential deviations.Points available: 8-8.9 | 7.9 pointsAssignment mostly formatted as required but missing some required element(s).Points available: 7-7.9 | 6.9 pointsAssignment is missing major elements, Points available D:6 – 6.9Points available F: 0-5.9 | Score of Responsiveness to Project Description: All elements are included. Value: 10 points,/ 10 |
| Responsiveness to Project Description : Application of theory and knowledge to the facts presented, accurate use of terminology, etc. Value: 10 points | 10 pointsExcellent understanding and application of theory and knowledge to the facts. Terminology is correct in all uses.Points available: 9-10 | 8.9 pointsClear application of theory and knowledge to the facts.Most terminology references are correctly applied.Points available: 8-8.9 | 7.9 pointsApplication of theory, knowledge and terminology indicate understanding of the concepts and focus of the projectPoints available: 7-7.9 | 6.9 pointsTheory and knowledge does not apply to the facts presented.Use of terminology indicates a lack of understanding of the concepts and focus of the projectPoints available D: 6-6.9Points available F: 0-5.9 | Score of Responsiveness to Project Description : Application of theory and knowledge to the facts presented, accurate use of terminology, etc. Value: 10 points,/ 10 |
| Responsiveness to Project Description: Organization. Value: 10 points | 10 pointsOrganization is relevant to topic, clear and understandable with logical flow that makes the project easier to follow. Points available: 9-10 | 8.9 pointsOrganization is clear and does not distract from the project’s content. Points available: 8-8.9 | 7.9 pointsOrganization presents some MINOR distractions from the project’s content.Points available: 7-7.9 | 6.9 pointsOrganization lacks relevance, is unclear, difficult to understand, or logic is missing that causes distraction for the reader. Points available D: 6-6.9Points available F: 0-5.9 | Score of Responsiveness to Project Description: Organization. Value: 10 points,/ 10 |
| Formatting, references, and APA citations Value 15 points | 15 pointsAssignment is formatted exactly as required, all required citations and references are present and APA standards are followed in every respect. Points available 13.5-15 | 13.4 pointsAssignment is formatted as required with minor/ inconsequential deviations, resource requirements are met, citations and references are present and APA standards are followed. Points available: 12-13.4 | 11.9 pointsAssignment mostly formatted as required but missing some required elements/ sources or some APA errors are evident. Points available: 10.5-11.9 | 10.4 pointsAssignment is missing major elements, lacks required sources or APA is not followed however a different citation method is used correctly. Points available D: 9 – 10.4Points available F: 0-8.9 | Score of Formatting, references, and APA citations Value 15 points,/ 15 |
| General Grammar/Mechanics Value 15 points | 15 pointsNo or minor English and grammar usage errors. Points available 13.5-15 | 13.4 pointsA few minor/ inconsequential mistakes in English and grammar. Points available 12-13.4 | 11.9 pointsSome, but acceptable mistakes in English and/or grammar. Points available: 10.5-11.9 | 10.4 pointsMany mistakes evident in English/grammar usage. Points available D: 9 – 10.4Points available F: 0-8.9 | Score of General Grammar/Mechanics Value 15 points,/ 15 |
Total
Score of A MODEL Rubric for CCJS Projects – Max points,
/ 100
Overall Score
Equivalent to an A
90 points minimum
Equivalent to an B
80 points minimum
Equivalent to an C
70 points minimum
Equivalent to a D or an F
0 points minimum
Submit Assignment
Expert Answer: Ethical dilemmas permeate the criminal justice
APA
1165 Words