Immanuel Kant Ethical Theories

Question 1

Immanuel Kant’s ethical theories are built on the premise of duty and moral standards. It is the duty of an individual to exhibit good morals and behave according to the expectations of the society. Kant’s theory further distinguishes between what is good and bad (Timmermann, 2007, p. 167). Individuals have the decision to make choices that are good to uphold the moral standards. Another important concept in the Kant’s theory is based on the goodwill of an individual. This is what makes an individual make a decision that is good or bad. The consequence of an act is not brought into perspective, but the will or the motive behind the action is what matters. This theory can therefore be applied in the modern policing practices to ensure that police officers function better by providing better services to the people (Timmermann, 2007, p. 167). Police will be able to make appropriate decisions before taking an action to remedy a situation. Many problems that happen in the policing unit are blamed on lack of wisdom to make the right decisions or simply reflecting on what they want to do. This therefore makes them commit mistakes that would otherwise be avoided.

Modern policing practices require that police relate well with the members of the community they are serving. Police are not required to be feared by the members of the society but are required to be perceived positively in order to build cohesion and help the members in ensuring that security and crime rates are reduced. For this to be effective and realized, police should have good will in their actions to enhance positive relationships.

Furthermore, in dealing with the criminal gangs, police are guided by the law. However, there are some occasions that police are required to employ force to ensure that they restore order in the society (Beck, 2006, p. 371). The extent to which this force is applied should not be extreme to a magnitude of causing harm to the victims or suspects. Therefore, Kant’s theory can be of help in ensuring that police make the right decisions when faced with challenging situations that would make them react with force and without much concern on the fate of the victims.

Furthermore, modern policing practices are formed on the basis of respect and honesty. Kant’s theories underpin these moral values that the police and other members of the society are required to adhere to. For instance, in investigating a crime that has been committed, the police have a duty to ensure that they apprehend the criminals that are liable for the crimes.

References

Timmermann, J. (2007). Simplicity and Authority: Reflections of Theory and Practice in Kant’s Moral Philosophy, Journal of Moral Philosophy, 4(2): 167-182.

Beck, G. (2006). Immanuel Kant’s Theory of Rights, Ratio Juris, 19 (4): 371-401.

Criminal justice system

Question 2

Criminal justice systems consist of various agencies that work in conjunction with each other to ensure that the security of a country is up to the standards. These include corps, courts and correctional facilities that are spread across the country. In the delivery of services, there are various unethical practices that are experienced by the officers. These include behaviors such as corruption, use of excessive force among the law enforcers, lack of respect, poor relationships between the law enforcers and the public among others. These are example of unethical practices that some of the officers may exhibit during their service delivery (Groning, 2010, p. 115). Therefore, to ensure that ethical standards are established and maintained to guarantee that unethical behaviors are eradicated, there is need for the criminal justice system to join hands and work towards achievement of their desired goals.

The criminal justice system should come up with training programs that are able to educate the officers on the need to adhere to ethical standards. For instance, the selection of the new recruits should be based on various issues concerning ethics (Groning, 2010, p. 115). The recruits should be subjected to a variety of tests and examination to find out whether they meet the requirements, for instance, honesty tests, communication and problems solving tests should be carried out to select those who are able to adhere to ethical standards. Furthermore, the history of the recruits should be well scrutinized to find out whether they had earlier-on engaged in criminal activities or not. Such information is important in finding out whether such officers will be able to adhere to the ethical standards set by the criminal justice system, and also in establishing and maintaining ethical standards by providing continuous training of the staffs on the various ethical issues that they need to adhere to in their execution of duties. Employees are often trained and reminded of the need to adhere to moral values in their operations (Tuckness, 2012, p. 113).

Another way is to administer oath of office to its entire staff before they embark on their duties of serving the people. This oath enlists the ethical standards that they are supposed to adhere to. Such oaths should act as a basis on how they need to behave when carrying out their duties. Another way is through provision of rewards and promotions as motivational instruments for those who exemplify good behaviors in their service delivery to the people. This will help in encouraging others to follow suit hence will be able to adhere to ethical standards in their organization. Different criminal justice systems can employ different measures to ensure that ethical standards are established and maintained in their organization. It is imperative that these officers carry out their duties with due diligence, honesty and trust to foster positive image with the public.

References

Groning, L. (2010). A Criminal Justice System or a System Deficit? Notes on the System Structure of the EU Criminal Law, European Journal of Crime, Criminal Law & Criminal Justice, 18(2): 115-137.

Tuckness, A. (2012). International Justice in Ethical Decision-Making, Public Integrity. 14(2): 113-126. 14