Week 1 Discussion: Previous, Next, Before, Beginning Work

Week 1 Discussion previousnextbefore Beginning Work On This Weeks Disc

Before beginning work on this week's discussion forum, please review the link "Doing Discussion Questions Right," the expanded grading rubric for the forum, and any specific instructions for this week's topic. By the due date assigned, submit your answers to this Discussion Area. Post the assignment directly in the discussion thread and label the answers with the appropriate scenario number. Do not copy the scenarios into the thread with the answers. Start reviewing and responding to your classmates as early in the week as possible.

You should review and critique the work of other students, as outlined in the rubric, by the end of the week. Select two of the scenarios listed below and explain the best solution for each. Include comments related to any ethical issues that arise. Support your responses with appropriate cases, laws and other relevant examples by using at least one scholarly source from the SUO Library in addition to your textbook for each scenario.

Paper For Above instruction

In this discussion, I will analyze two scenarios—Scenario I concerning legal and ethical issues related to academic integrity and Scenario II dealing with employee rights versus employer policies regarding firearm possession on hospital premises. Each scenario presents unique challenges that require a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, ethical considerations, and applicable laws or policies.

Scenario I: Academic Integrity and Ethical Issues in Student Submissions

The scenario involves a student who posts a request on CourseHero.com for an assignment involving a 12-page paper on the importance of academic integrity policies and reasons against cheating. The student offers payment for the paper, and the question involves identifying legal and ethical concerns.

Legally, this practice raises issues of contract law and intellectual property rights. When a student pays someone else to produce their work, it potentially constitutes contract fraud, especially if the student submits the work as their own. Institutions often have policies explicitly prohibiting contract cheating and plagiarism, violations that can result in academic sanctions or disciplinary actions under educational laws and institutional policies. For example, the use of third-party services to generate work violates the institution’s academic honesty code and may breach university policies linked with student conduct (Davis, 2018).

Ethically, engaging a third party to complete academic assignments compromises the integrity of the educational process. It violates principles of honesty, fairness, and personal responsibility outlined by educational and professional ethical standards (International Center for Academic Integrity, 2015). Students are expected to develop critical thinking and mastery of subject matter, which is undermined when they delegate academic work to others. Additionally, the act of paying for a paper raises questions about the authenticity of the student's learning and the validity of the assessment process.

In responding to such a scenario, the best solution involves reinforcing educational policies that prohibit contract cheating, educating students about the value of personal integrity, and using plagiarism detection tools to prevent and identify such misconduct (Whitley & Keith-Spiegel, 2019). Educational institutions are advised to implement honor codes, develop clear consequences for violations, and promote an academic culture emphasizing ethical behavior. Furthermore, instructors should provide clear guidelines regarding academic honesty and utilize assignments designed to assess individual understanding, reducing opportunities for cheating (Bretag, 2018).

Scenario II: Firearm Policies, Employee Rights, and Legal Considerations

This scenario involves an employee at a for-profit hospital who possesses a permit to carry a firearm in their car but faces a policy prohibiting firearms on hospital property. The employee believes this infringes on their rights, especially given the high-crime area and late-shift hours. The task involves summarizing state parking lot laws related to firearms, analyzing arguments for both sides of the challenge, and determining which party would prevail in a legal dispute.

In Alabama, the legal framework regarding firearms in parking lots is governed by statutes such as the "Alabama Firearm Act," which allows individuals with valid permits to carry concealed weapons in vehicles and often provides exemptions for certain private property restrictions (Alabama Code § 13A-11-73.01). Specifically, Alabama law permits permit holders to store firearms in their parked vehicles, even if the vehicle is on private property, provided they comply with state regulations (Alabama Administrative Code, 2020).

Arguments supporting the employee’s position emphasize the Second Amendment rights to bear arms, as well as the statutory protections that permit lawful firearm storage in vehicles (Rogers, 2021). The employee contends that the hospital’s ban infringes on their constitutional rights and legal protections for lawful firearm possession in their vehicle, especially since the permit is valid and the firearm is stored securely in the car.

Conversely, the hospital might argue its property rights and the necessity to maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. The hospital’s policy could be justified under premises liability law, aiming to reduce risks associated with firearms on their premises. The employer might invoke the doctrine of property rights and the importance of maintaining a hospital environment free from weapons, especially in high-crime areas and during late shifts (Johnson & Williams, 2019).

In analyzing which party would prevail, courts often balance constitutional rights against property rights and safety considerations. Given Alabama statutes explicitly protect lawful firearm possession in vehicles, and considering the employee's lawful permit, the employee has a strong legal case. Many jurisdictions have upheld permit holders’ rights to store firearms in their cars in parking lots, and courts tend to favor individual rights unless there is a compelling safety concern (Marko, 2018). Therefore, the employee likely would prevail if the case advanced to litigation, provided they strictly adhere to legal and safety regulations regarding firearm storage.

In conclusion, the most effective solution involves the employer revisiting policies to balance safety with legal rights. Implementing alternative safety measures such as security personnel, metal detectors, and secure parking areas can mitigate risks while respecting employee rights (Lindsey, 2020). The case underscores the importance of clear communication of policies that align with state laws and respect constitutional freedoms, ensuring a safe yet lawful environment.

Conclusion

Analyzing these scenarios underscores the importance of understanding legal statutes, ethical standards, and institutional policies. Whether dealing with issues of academic integrity or workplace rights, applying appropriate legal principles and ethical considerations enables organizations and individuals to navigate complex dilemmas effectively. A commitment to integrity, respect for individual rights, and adherence to legal frameworks are vital for fostering ethical and lawful environments in educational and professional settings.

References

  • Alabama Administrative Code. (2020). Firearm regulations. Alabama Department of Public Safety.
  • Bretag, T. (2018). Challenges and opportunities in online learning: Addressing academic integrity. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 40(4), 339-350.
  • International Center for Academic Integrity. (2015). The fundamental values of academic integrity. Retrieved from https://academicintegrity.org
  • Johnson, P., & Williams, R. (2019). Firearm policies in healthcare settings: Legal perspectives and ethical considerations. Journal of Medical Law and Ethics, 7(2), 22-30.
  • Lindsey, C. (2020). Workplace security and firearms policies: Balancing safety and rights. HR Management Review, 32(3), 45-49.
  • Marko, S. (2018). Firearm rights and employment law: A review of legal precedents. Public Law Review, 29(1), 88-102.
  • Rogers, L. (2021). Second Amendment rights in the workplace: Legal boundaries and employer policies. Law and Society Journal, 15(4), 132-146.
  • Whitley, B., & Keith-Spiegel, P. (2019). Ethical judgments and academic dishonesty. Journal of Educational Ethics, 16(2), 110-125.

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