Case Study

Case Study

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant material relating to the analysis of ethical dilemmas in criminal justice. Ethics is a branch of philosophy concerned with defining the concepts of good and evil and of the establishment of the principles of life and principles to be followed. Ethics thus led to wonder "what are the values and principles most important and why? Answering these questions will deal with ethical dilemmas. Faced with an ethical dilemma where values conflict, we try to order them according to their importance. This is a key step to try to identify the correct action to take: the best solution to the dilemma of seeking reconciliation between values in order of priority. The primary ethical dilemma that arises, while dealing with a criminal justice issue is, whether the decision been taken, is ethically right or wrong. 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? Does the decision ensure justice? Or is it in favor of the violator? This and other related questions create dilemma for the authorities to make a decision that is rational and incorporate all the aspects that that ensures the provision of justice to the innocent party. At every level, in each segment of the system, people are exercising discretion that will impact on 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.

In the next section, the author will conduct a critical analysis of the 4 scenarios provided in the case study. In this project, the author will consider a sequence of decisions (do, or not do) all of which contribute, directly or indirectly the final scene. For each of the four (4) scenarios, the author will examine each situation and describe the ethical and/or moral question. Furthermore, the author will also describe what he believes to the motivation of the actor and the potential consequences of both options. Finally, the author will identify the decision the actor should make, and provide the ethical basis for the decision.

Scenario Analysis

The Parole Board

In this scenario, we are acting as the chair of the parole board, by the name of Robert. As the chair of the parole board, Robert is aware of the overcrowding problem in state prisons. Advocates are threatening the corrections system with Federal suits. One alternative is to broaden the parole eligibility criteria to allow more inmates to be released to community-based supervision. However, reviewing the current “risk assessment” results, Robert is concerned that any further relaxation of standards may result in the release of inmates more likely to re-offend than he considers “safe”. Robert just received a call from the Governor asking him what the parole board can ...