The criminal justice system is a cornerstone of any functioning society, and it is essential that citizens understand the ethical considerations that come with it. Reporting alleged crimes is a key responsibility of citizens, and they must do so without prejudice or false reports. Research in the field of criminal justice also presents ethical concerns, such as informed consent and confidentiality. Law enforcement officials must strive to adhere to the ethical standards of their profession, and jurors must pay close attention to the case and understand the law before voting on a verdict.
An online master's degree in justice studies can help individuals understand the legal and ethical concerns surrounding criminal justice and law enforcement. Ethics is an integral part of any functioning society, and this is especially true when it comes to criminal justice. Citizens have an ethical obligation to report crimes or alleged criminal activities, even if they do not directly affect them. It is important to avoid making false reports based on preconceived prejudices. Research in the field of criminal justice often requires respondents to disclose information related to criminal and subversive activities, which can present ethical issues. The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics was adopted in 1957 and serves as a preface to the mission and commitment that law enforcement agencies assume to the public they serve.
However, Rhineberger (200) concluded that discussions about research ethics were practically absent in introductory textbooks on criminal justice. Social agencies have historically ignored informed consent requirements in experiments involving prisoners and other vulnerable parties. Law enforcement officials must strive to continuously behave in a manner that conforms to the ethical standards of their profession. They must make decisions on the spot in ambiguous situations that are often difficult to navigate ethically. Jurors also have an ethical obligation to pay close attention to the case, understand the law, and vote on the verdict in a way that is aligned with the interpretation of the law. An online master's degree in justice studies from Campbellsville University can help individuals understand the legal and ethical concerns surrounding criminal justice and law enforcement.
Specifically, it analyzes the ethical issues inherent in informed consent and the requirements of confidentiality when it comes to research in the field of criminal justice.
