Read Review: The Following Resources For This Activity Pollo

Readreview The Following Resources For This Activitypollockcengage

Read/review the following resources for this activity: · Pollock (Cengage, 9e) Writing Requirements (APA format) · 3-4 pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page · 1-inch margins · Double spaced · 12-point Times New Roman font · Title page with topic and name of student

Paper For Above instruction

This paper will analyze and evaluate ethical dilemmas presented in a series of case studies, focusing on the application of ethical systems and principles to resolve complex moral issues within the context of law, justice, and societal norms. Each case emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and moral reasoning, encouraging a systematic approach to ethical decision-making grounded in established theories and course content.

Ethical Dilemmas and Case Analysis

The case studies span a range of moral conflicts, notably including situations such as a mother who kills her suffering sons, a juvenile stealing food to support family, the use of force and Tasers by law enforcement, paternalistic laws regulating personal freedoms, and confidentiality in the attorney-client relationship. Each presents primary and ancillary ethical dilemmas that challenge superficial moral judgments and necessitate nuanced analysis.

For example, in the case of the mother who shot her sons with Huntington’s disease, the primary ethical dilemma involves balancing respect for legal statutes (the letter of the law) versus ethical considerations rooted in compassion and mercy (the spirit of the law). The ancillary dilemma pertains to how to interpret her act within moral frameworks that respect human suffering and dignity. Similarly, for the juvenile committing theft to feed his family, the core dilemma is between enforcing legal consequences versus considering mitigating circumstances influenced by socioeconomic hardship and moral obligations.

Resolution Strategies and Justification

My approach involves applying a systematic resolution based on a comprehensive assessment of ethical principles. In the case of the mother, I would argue that the moral weight of mercy and compassion should influence the verdict, possibly advocating for a verdict of manslaughter or considering insanity or diminished capacity, even if not explicitly provided for in law. The rationale is rooted in deontological ethics that prioritize duty to human suffering, as well as virtue ethics emphasizing compassion and empathy.

For the juvenile seeking leniency, I would recommend alternative sentencing options that account for the circumstances—perhaps fostering restorative justice over punitive measures. This aligns with utilitarian principles that seek to maximize societal good and individual rehabilitation over strict retribution. These resolutions are supported by ethical systems such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, which are discussed in Chapter 2 of Pollock’s textbook.

Integration of Course Material and Theories

The course's ethical content underpins these resolutions, particularly the comparison of ethical systems. Utilitarianism emphasizes outcomes that promote overall well-being, supporting leniency for the juvenile and mercy for the mother. Deontological frameworks uphold duties and rights, guiding decisions that respect legal duties and individual dignity. Virtue ethics emphasizes moral character traits like compassion, which influence judgments beyond rigid rules.

These frameworks assist in navigating moral conflicts, demonstrating that legal adherence alone may not suffice when ethical considerations call for compassion, fairness, and contextual judgment. Proper application of these theories fosters just, empathetic, and morally sound decisions, aligning with the course objectives of fostering critical ethical thinking (Pollock, 9th edition).

Conclusion

Addressing each case study through an ethical lens reveals the complexity inherent in moral reasoning. By clarifying dilemmas, proposing detailed resolutions, and supporting choices with recognized ethical systems, this paper underscores the importance of balanced, thoughtful approaches to justice and morality in societal contexts. Such analytical rigor is vital for ethical decision-making in the criminal justice system and beyond.

References

• Pollock, J. M. (2020). Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making Processes. In Ethics in Criminal Justice (9th ed., pp. 35-58). Cengage.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Kohlberg, L. (1981). Moral stages and moralization: The cognitive-developmental approach. In T. Lickona (Ed.), Moral Development & Behavior: Theory, Research, and Implications (pp. 31-53). University of California Press.
• Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Harvard University Press.
• Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral development: Advances in research and theory. Praeger Publishers.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Taylor, C. (1989). The Ethics of Authenticity. Harvard University Press.
• Turiel, E. (1983). The Development of Social Knowledge: Morality and Convention. Cambridge University Press.
• Narvaez, D., Lapsley, D. K., Flanagan, C., & Rest, J. (2006). Moral Development, Self, and Culture. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Hoefer, R. (2010). Justice and Mercy: A Biblical Perspective. Journal of Religious Ethics, 38(3), 459-481.