Why Study Ethics?

Human behavior tends to be guided by each individual's perception of right and wrong. These behavioral choices or judgments are of particular importance to criminal justice practitioners due to the unique position they hold in society. They are empowered with great discretion in the hope they will exercise that power with restraint. They are given the task of enforcing the legal code and a position of public trust as public servants.

The study of ethics allows us to understand the manner in which ethical decisions are made. For criminal justice practitioners, the study of ethics promotes them to exercise their discretion in a morally responsible way while making their obligation to the public their primary concern. For criminal justice students, the study of ethics provides a framework to manage future ethical dilemmas in a deliberate and reflective way.