Ethics in Criminal Justice Administration

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Ethics in Criminal Justice Administration CJA/484 May 15, 2012 Ethics in Criminal Justice Administration Personal values, professional values, ethical perspectives, ethical principles, and ethical reasoning are as important to a professional life as they are to a personal life. Values and ethics can aid in decisions and guide an individual to personal satisfaction and happiness. Understanding conflicts and challenges that face personal and professional values can help an individual prepare for change comfortably. The subject of this discussion is values and ethics and their relationship to and in ethical dilemmas. Values Before attending University of Phoenix I thought I had a thorough understanding of my personal beliefs, values, and ethics. I thought I had a clear and concise answer for every dilemma, and if that answer required some thought or justification then it would easily fall into the acceptable boundaries of my moral compass. Criminal Justice as a course covers some of the most sensitive subjects in contemporary American culture (in which a dominant belief system exists) and how difficult it is to find common ground when considering the vast disparity of values and ethics. Additionally, the instructors of nearly every class for the past three years have challenged my understanding of my values and ethics through their experience. Truly, it is easy to have a dilemma-free set of values if they are never challenged in new ways; values like these have no place in an ever-changing and flexible justice system. Personal Values Personal values are the values I have either adopted or deemed define my moral compass. Personal values can change with age and experience as life’s challenges press the boundaries of understanding and ability to morally cope with dilemmas and conflicts. Personal values are molded by family and interaction with community.

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