Ethics Issues in Criminal Justice Essay

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Is discretion ethical?

Not only is police discretion ethical, but it is absolutely essential if police are to be expected to perform their functions effectively. Without discretion, police would, for one example, be duty-bound to conduct a traffic stop of every vehicle that changes lanes without signaling and to issue a summons to every pedestrian who crosses the street against the light (Schmalleger, 2008). On the other hand, it has become common practice for police to misuse their discretion to enforce the law preferentially, especially in connection with traffic stops of off-duty officers (Schmalleger, 2008).

Define the differences between "grass eating" and "meat eating" among officers.

According to the Knapp Commission that coined the term, "grass-eaters" are officers who accept (or even solicit) gratuities in minor ways and largely as a function of learned institutional culture (Schmalleger, 2008). Meanwhile, "meat-eaters" are officers who actively pursue major corrupt initiatives and who expressly use their positions of authority to profit.

What is "noble cause corruption" and why is it easier to swallow for cops than other corruption?

"Noble cause corruption" is the use of illegal, unethical, or otherwise impermissible means to accomplish ends that are legitimate (Delattre, 2006).

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Typical examples would include lying under oath to ensure the conviction of a criminal defendant who is actually guilty but who might not be convicted if the officer testifies truthfully. Other typical examples would include the misrepresentation of facts and circumstances in relation to establishing probable cause to justify police procedures that would be impermissible under the actual factual circumstances but that result in the apprehension and arrest of a criminal (Delattre, 2006).

What is more effective on the street -- an ethical cop that follows the rules or an unethical cop that makes the rules and why?

Obviously, ethical police procedures are far less effective than unrestricted and unethical police procedures (Zalman, 2008). If police were allowed to break down any door and conduct a search of any home or vehicle without satisfying constitutional standards of reasonable suspicion and probable cause, they could be more successful at apprehending criminals. The same is true of coercing confessions from arrestees. In American society, the success of law enforcement efforts is considered less important than protecting citizens from unrestricted police investigations that conflict with the fundamental freedoms and liberties upon which the nation was.....

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