STANDARDS/CODES OF CONDUCT FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM - Management Assignment

Task :  Make use of at least two of these theories in your answer – Deontology, Utilitarianism, Ethics of Care, and the Theory of Justice. The aim of the exercise is to critically apply ethical theory to complex situations. Provided you show good understanding and sound application of theory, it does not matter if other people would reach the same conclusions. Example of the Assessment Task 1 The detention of the mentally impaired in prisons has been a topic of controversy. It has led to the imprisonment of many people across the world and Australia. To understand this issue the use of 4 interrelated theories of ethics will be used to critically analyse the topic. 3 media links have been provided and they will be utilised to analyse the issue of the mentally impaired in prisons. The 4 theories include Deontology, Utilitarianism, Ethics of care, and the Theory of Justice. Academic resources will also be used to illustrate critical analyses. Utilitarianism It is important to understand the relationship when considering the detention of the mentally impaired and the theory of Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is another form of Consequentialism this is important as Utilitarianism follows this approach but slightly differs. Utilitarianism has stated (Braswell, McCarthy; McCarthy, 2014, p.13) “that we judge the morality of an action in terms of the consequences or results of that action.” Utilitarianism is an important concept in the criminal justice system as it acts as a preventative and rehabilitative measures. According to Utilitarianism morality if the consequence of an act benefits the majority of people then it is considered useful and worth pursuing. However incarcerating the mentally ill because of not having any other place for them to be cared for seems ill conceived. Although the utility of this action may correspond positively with the utilitarian theory it disregards society’s responsibility and care of minorities and the disadvantaged. It also goes against the current measures of preventative and rehabilitation as a number of these incarcerated don't receive appropriate treatment for their mental disorder or illness. Therefore a lack of treatment would not benefit the greater good of society once these mentally ill are released back into society. As they can be negative influenced inside prison, then they may bring these negative influences back into society.....