Crime And Ethical Standards Since You Have Demons
Crime and Ethical Standards Since You Have Demons
After carefully reviewing the case details, prepare a 2- to 3-page report assessing whether the procedures (both legal and ethical) were followed appropriately. Use the Argosy University Online Library resources to find articles that support your assessment. You may also use your textbook.
Your report should address the following: Select one of the crimes Jones has been previously charged with (e.g., public drunkenness, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, felony larceny, or prostitution). What type of crime is it (misdemeanor or felony)? How is this crime defined in the state in which you live? How might societal factors have influenced this suspect's crimes? Analyze how the purpose of government and the social contract might protect the rights (e.g., safety and security) of the suspect in this case.
Compare the various roles Officer Marconi must play in this case. Consider that Marconi must enforce the law and protect the suspect from harm at the same time. Analyze how a law enforcement officer's actions might be influenced if he or she is arresting an "unsympathetic suspect or victim," specifically a suspect or victim who the officer has arrested before or who engages in a high-risk lifestyle, such as substance abuse, drug dealing, or prostitution. Justify whether Officer Marconi acted accordingly. How might the criminal justice professional maintain ethical standards when working with diverse populations?
Once charged, what rights does the defendant, Jones, have? Be sure to organize your paper into clear and concise paragraphs. You should read the grading rubric before starting your paper to ensure you cover all the material appropriately. Include an APA-formatted reference page that links to your in-text citations.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The case of Mary Jones, a woman with a history of criminal behavior and evident intoxication, encapsulates multiple facets of law enforcement procedures, ethical considerations, and societal influences. This report critically examines the legality and ethics involved in the arrest of Jones, focusing particularly on her prior charges, societal factors influencing her behavior, and the rights protected under the social contract and government roles. It also evaluates Officer Marconi's conduct and ethical standards in handling such a high-risk suspect, emphasizing the delicate balance law enforcement must maintain between enforcement and safeguarding individual rights.
Charge, Type of Crime, and Definition
Mary Jones's prior charge for felony larceny is a significant aspect of her criminal history. Felony larceny, in the context of my state, refers to the unlawful taking of property valued above a specific monetary threshold—typically $1,000—with intent to permanently deprive the owner of possession (State of [Your State], 2020). This classification as a felony signifies more severe legal consequences and often reflects underlying societal issues such as economic hardship or addiction. Given her history, her latest conduct in shoplifting may also be categorized as felony larceny, functionally escalating her criminal profile and affecting subsequent law enforcement procedures.
Societal Factors Influencing Crime
Societal influences profoundly impact individuals like Jones. Factors such as poverty, lack of access to education, mental health issues, and substance dependency can catalyze repeated criminal behavior (Henson & Rykken, 2010). In Jones's case, her previous arrests for public drunkenness and prostitution suggest she operates within a marginalized, high-risk lifestyle. Structural inequalities, limited social support networks, and systemic neglect are likely contributors that exacerbate her propensity toward criminal acts. Understanding these influences is essential for law enforcement to approach such cases with contextual awareness rather than solely punitive measures.
The Role of Government and Social Contract
The purpose of government, according to social contract theory, is to protect citizens' rights—life, liberty, and property—while maintaining public order (Locke, 1690). In Jones’s case, law enforcement plays a crucial role in enforcing laws to uphold societal stability; simultaneously, it must safeguard individual rights. This balance ensures that individuals like Jones are protected from wrongful searches and excessive use of force, while also deterring behaviors detrimental to social harmony. Appropriate procedures, rooted in constitutional rights, are central to respecting human dignity even in cases involving repeat offenders.
Roles and Responsibilities of Officer Marconi
Officer Marconi’s role involves enforcing the law, ensuring his safety, and protecting Jones from harm. His decision to call for backup and attempt to subdue Jones humanely demonstrates adherence to ethical standards of care and professional conduct. However, arresting a high-risk, resistant suspect necessitates balancing assertiveness with empathy, minimizing harm while maintaining control. The officer's prior experiences with Jones and her high-risk lifestyle could influence his approach, potentially affecting his emotional responses or biases.
If officers exaggerate their force or neglect de-escalation techniques in dealing with such suspects, ethical violations occur, risking harm and violating rights. As such, law enforcement professionals must employ procedural justice principles—respect, neutrality, trustworthy motives—to ensure their actions are justified and ethical (Tyler, 2004). Officer Marconi’s actions, including humane restraint and medical intervention, align with these standards, reflecting professionalism and concern for the suspect's well-being.
Maintaining Ethical Standards with Diverse Populations
Maintaining ethical standards requires cultural competence, impartiality, and adherence to constitutional rights. Law enforcement must recognize the diverse backgrounds of individuals like Jones, who may have endured trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges. Training programs emphasizing procedural justice, bias reduction, and crisis intervention equip officers to work respectfully with such populations (Ferdik & Jennings, 2012). Applying these principles can build trust, reduce conflicts, and promote fairness within the criminal justice system.
Rights of the Defendant
Once charged, Jones possesses fundamental rights protected by the U.S. Constitution and state laws. These include the right to remain silent, protection against self-incrimination, the right to an attorney, and the right to a fair trial (Schmalleger, 2017). Additionally, she must be informed of the charges against her and have access to legal representation. The right to humane treatment during detention and medical care, especially given her mental and physical state, is also guaranteed. Law enforcement and judicial actors must ensure these rights are respected throughout the criminal process, safeguarding her dignity and due process.
Conclusion
In sum, the arrest and handling of Mary Jones reflect the complex interplay of legal procedures, ethical standards, societal influences, and individual rights. Officer Marconi’s conduct, emphasizing humane restraint and medical intervention, aligns with ethical and procedural expectations. Understanding societal factors driving criminal behaviors enriches law enforcement responses, fostering more effective and just practices. Upholding the rights of suspects like Jones remains paramount, ensuring that justice serves both societal needs and individual dignity.
References
- Ferdik, F. V., & Jennings, W. G. (2012). Racial bias in policing: The influence of perceptual bias, implicit bias, and the social environment. Journal of Criminal Justice, 40(3), 215-226.
- Henson, B., & Rykken, J. (2010). Social inequality, urban marginality, and crime: Exploring the social causes of crime. Routledge.
- Locke, J. (1690). Two Treatises of Government. Awnsham Churchill.
- Schmalleger, F. (2017). Criminal Justice Today: An Introductory Text for the 21st Century. Pearson.
- State of [Your State]. (2020). Criminal Code. Retrieved from [official state legal portal]
- Tyler, T. R. (2004). Procedural justice and the courts. Court Review, 40(3), 26-31.