Ethical Misconduct in the Courts and Responses
Knowing the definition of ethical misconduct in the courts, and the responses to that misconduct, lays the foundation for future ethical conduct because of the consequences affiliated with actions. Knowing the explanations for misconduct promotes understanding and prevention. Identifying judicial independence and activism creates an appreciation for the role of the judiciary and reverence for its power.
After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
- Examine the types of misconduct that have been associated with defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges
- Explain the reasons why such misconduct occurs
- Describe the Innocence Projects, how many individuals have been found to be wrongly imprisoned, and why
- Discuss some proposals to improve the justice system and reduce ethical misconduct
- Describe the concepts associated with judicial activism or constructionism and how this issue relates to ethical misconduct
Professor's Notes
Capital Punishment
- Identify some basic arguments for and against capital punishment
- Discuss some of the dominant issues affiliated with this very final form of punishment
Note:
If you are experiencing issues with the video player, please use your personal computer to download the media file from the Download Media section of this course.
Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice (9th ed.)
By Pollock, Joycelyn M
- Chapter 10 – Ethical Misconduct in the Courts and Responses
Prompt
Watch the lecture and respond. Describe the ethical rationales for and against capital punishment and explain why public support for the death penalty is waning. Are the reasons cited valid? Articulate how you personally feel about capital punishment.
Response Parameters
Write at least five to seven sentences. Use APA citations as needed. Respond to at least two peers’ posts, writing a minimum of three to four sentences each. Click on the image below to view the RISE Model. Your meaningful feedback should reflect all four categories: Reflect, Inquire, Suggest, and Elevate.
- The initial post is due by Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Peer response posts are due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET
- The maximum number of points for this assignment is 25
Directions
- Analyze the ethical dilemma below via the steps listed in your text. Be sure to read your weekly chapter(s) before attempting this assignment
- You must resolve this dilemma using an ethical system/method described or referred to in your text. Be sure to use the template you acquired during Week 1, and work in your assigned group
- Your response should be at least 500 words in length, double-spaced, with references cited according to the APA. A cover page and abstract are not required. Each member is required to complete the “Online Team Evaluation Form” on all fellow group members, and submit the evaluation to the digital drop box
Dilemma
You are a defense attorney who sees a judge in your jurisdiction having dinner with a prosecutor. Both are married to other people. You happen to have a case in front of this judge, and the prosecutor is your opponent. You consider that you could request the judge recuse himself from the case, but this may create animosity, and if he refuses, it could be detrimental to your client. Alternatively, you could keep quiet and use the information on appeal, but this may mean your client spends years in prison. Finally, you could do nothing and hope that the judge is not biased toward the prosecution in his rulings. What would you do?
- This project is due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET
- The assignment may only be submitted in the current week
- Use the digital drop box to submit your completed assignment
- The maximum number of points for this assignment is 50
Complete the Weekly Team Evaluation form for the ethical dilemma group project.
- Weekly Online Team Evaluation form (PDF)
- Weekly Online Team Evaluation form (doc) (Use this form if unable to edit the PDF version above)
- Example Weekly Team Evaluation Form (PDF)
The form may only be submitted in the current week. Use the digital drop box to submit your completed form.
- This quiz consists of 25 multiple-choice question
- You will have 50 minutes to complete the quiz
- Quiz must be completed no later than Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET