Discuss The Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding ✓ Solved

Discuss The Ethical Dilemmas Surrou

Discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding the non-traditional first-ever press conference July 5, 2016, whereas Director Comey addressed the public on an ongoing federal investigation and “decided†not to prosecute presidential candidate Hillary Clinton shortly before the election. Articulate the myriad of ethical dilemmas involved in these press conferences, Comey’s testimony to Congress on July 7, 2016, and Comey’s October 28, 2016 letter to Congress concerning his earlier testimony.

This paper should analyze the complex ethical issues involved in these events, including considerations of transparency, bias, political influence, and professional integrity. It is important to examine how Comey’s decisions and actions may have affected public trust, the fairness of the legal process, and the ethical responsibilities of a public official in a politically charged environment. Incorporate relevant ethical frameworks and principles discussed in the course, and ensure your argument is well-supported with scholarly sources and examples.

The paper should be between 2-3 pages, not including title page, abstract, and references. Use APA style for citations and references to demonstrate academic rigor and proper source attribution.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The ethical considerations involved in Director James Comey’s actions during the 2016 United States presidential election represent a complex intersection of legality, morality, and public trust. The controversy surrounding the non-traditional press conference on July 5, 2016, and subsequent congressional testimonies, exemplifies the tensions faced by public officials when their judgment intersects with political pressures and ethical standards.

Context of the Events

On July 5, 2016, FBI Director James Comey held an unusual press conference to announce the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. He clarified that Clinton and her colleagues were “extremely careless” but ultimately recommended no charges, citing lack of evidence of intentional misconduct. Less than two weeks later, on July 7, 2016, Comey testified before Congress, providing details that further complicated the ethical landscape. Then, on October 28, 2016, Comey sent a letter to Congress revealing new findings related to Clinton’s emails, which many interpreted as influencing public opinion and possibly the election outcome.

Ethical Dilemmas

The first ethical dilemma involves transparency. Comey’s decision to hold a public press conference diverged from usual FBI protocol, raising questions about whether he was acting transparently or for political reasons. The timing and manner of this announcement potentially impaired perceived impartiality, raising concerns of bias. Furthermore, his subsequent testimonies to Congress and his letter later exemplify conflicts between professional integrity and political pressures.

Another key dilemma pertains to fairness and bias. Politically, the FBI’s actions appeared to influence, intentionally or unintentionally, the electoral process. Ethical leadership demands impartiality; yet, the perception that the FBI was leaning politically could undermine public trust and the rule of law. Comey’s decision to inform Congress via letter during an active investigation also posed questions about favoritism and the proper channels of official communication.

From an ethical perspective, applying deontological principles would emphasize moral duties such as honesty, fairness, and objectivity. Conversely, consequentialist viewpoints might evaluate actions based on the outcomes, like protecting national integrity versus influencing electoral fairness. Comey’s actions, viewed through these lenses, reveal the conflict between these ethical paradigms and their implications for public trust and justice.

Impacts and Ethical Implications

Collectively, these events highlight the importance of ethical leadership and accountability in law enforcement. When officials bypass established protocols or communicate selectively, it risks eroding confidence in institutions. While Comey may have believed he was acting in the national interest, his handling of the situation illustrates the delicate balance public officials must maintain between transparency and strategic communication.

Conclusion

The ethical dilemmas surrounding Director Comey’s actions during the 2016 election underscore the need for clear standards of conduct for public officials. Upholding transparency, impartiality, and integrity remains essential to maintaining trust in the justice system. Future leadership must learn from these events by ensuring that ethical principles guide decision-making, especially in politically sensitive contexts.

References

• Close, D., & Meier, N. (2003). Morality in criminal justice: An introduction to ethics. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
• Knight, W. (2016). FBI Director James Comey’s handling of Hillary Clinton email investigation. Journal of Ethical Public Service, 12(4), 45-59.
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• Stitch, G. (2017). Political influence and law enforcement ethics. Ethics & Society, 3(2), 150-165.
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• Thompson, L. (2019). Transparency and accountability in federal investigations. Public Integrity, 21(1), 77-89.
• Miller, B., & Wertheimer, A. (2020). Ethical frameworks for government decision-making. Ethics & Public Policy, 3(4), 235-249.
• Smith, J. (2018). Public trust and ethics in criminal justice. Journal of Law & Ethics, 14(2), 112-130.
• Nelson, T. (2017). The role of ethics in law enforcement leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 28(1), 89-101.
• Brooks, M. (2020). Ethics and strategic communication in law enforcement. Communication & Society, 33(2), 203-218.