#codesofconduct

Welcome to Ethics 101!😁

Hey there! Welcome to blog one of many that will outline numerous ethical issues within the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The criminal justice system refers to the body of courts, corrections, law enforcement, and other law-related arms that focus on dispensing justice, ensuring that laws are implemented and obeyed, and maintaining public order. The criminal justice system is built on fairness, equality, justice and good conduct thus ethics is the very foundation on which this system lies. To begin this new series of blogs, we will define a few terms and familiarize ourselves with the foundation of ethics. So, let’s get started!

What is a Code of Conduct?

This refers to the formal set of principles, rules, and standards that govern an institution, and establishes what is acceptable behaviour among its members while outlining what to do when faced with various issues or dilemmas.

 What is Ethics?

According to Pollock (2010), ethics refers to “the discipline of determining good and evil and defining moral duties”. So oftentimes we hear the word morals or morality rather than ethics, but are they really the same thing? Both morals and ethics are related, with morals and morality having to do with the principles of differentiating between right and wrong or simply judging an individual as having good conduct.

Ethical Issues vs Ethical Dilemmas

Without deep thought, one might think that ethical issues and ethical dilemmas are the same things. I shared similar thoughts, but I am here to inform you that such thoughts are a misconception. 

In fact, while they may be similar, the major difference lies in the fact that an ethical issue involves an event or situation in which there is disagreement when deciding what is the right thing to do. They can also be “social questions or policy decisions” (Pollock, 2010). According to Pollock (2010), these issues “often concern the government’s social control mechanisms and the impact on those governed”, and we will see this being highlighted throughout this blogging series.

On the other hand, ethical dilemmas refer to those decision-making situations in which the right choice is not clear, the right choice has negative consequences that should be considered, or where there the “lesser of multiple evils” must be selected. These decisions must be made by an individual or an organization and may not necessarily be based on a policy.

As citizens, we must hold ourselves accountable, and get informed so that we may be equipped to differentiate between wrong and right when faced with ethical issues or dilemmas. Members of the criminal justice system should do the same to ensure that they make the right decisions as it relates to the law. Additionally, these individuals within the CJS must use their discretion and various codes of conduct to govern their choices.  

 Educate Yourself, and Make the Right Choice! Stay Tuned for More- Zorian Clarke

 Reference

All institutions and organisations have Codes of Conduct that they must adhere to. Governments too must set the standard as a leading example for us all to follow.

Codes of Conduct is an agreement on rules of behaviour for a group or organisation that sets the standard and outlining in principal the social norms and responsibilities that are expected and/or proper practices set for an individual. It outlines the attitudes and behaviour from individuals signed up to the code.

Codes of Conduct are voluntary, which sets in place values and rules of behaviour that guide how future decisions are made, that contributes to other people’s welfare, principles and in doing so respects the rights of others affected by its operation. It’s also an important part in establishing an inclusive culture, but it’s not a solution on its own.

A Code of Conduct is something we all work to in the work place and although it’s set out primarily for employees, employers work to the same code of conduct. A culture is created whereby rules are incorporated to include attitudes and behaviour. In the workplace their effective implementation must be part of a learning process that requires enforcement through training and continuous improvement.

A common code of conduct is written for employees, which informs employees of the company expectations. Codes of conduct are there to protect employees should there be a problem in the work place. It’s proved effective when employees feel comfortable enough to voice their concerns and know the company will respond with appropriate action.

No matter what we’re doing or whether we’re working as part of a team in the work place or we’re hanging out with family, it’s important we remember the Codes of Conduct rule.

How we behave is the catalyst for how society and the world functions, how our relationships will work, how others treat us and how we treat other people.