Ethics, Crime, and Criminal Justice (2^nd Ed.)

This comprehensive, provocative text meaningfully examines ethical theories and their application to current issues, controversies, and professional scenarios in law, crime, and justice. It introduces students to the foundations of the study of ethics and morality; examines prominent moral and ethical themes, conflicts, and struggles in criminology and criminal justice; and explores the conceptual and practical value of key ethical concepts, principles, and arguments. This edition is extensively updated and revised for greater clarity, cohesiveness, and accessibility. An all-new chapter demonstrates practical application of normative frameworks to ethical dilemmas, and another largely new chapter introduces game theory, evolutionary psychology, and related concepts. Readers will find expanded discussions of social contract, cognitive neuroscience, Carol Gilligan?s ethic of care, and much more.

Preface

Part I: An Invitation to Ethics

2. Choices, Values, and Ethics.

Part II: Metaethics and Moral Psychology

4. Is Morality Relative? The Variability of Norms and Values

5. Why Should We Be Good?

6. Morality, Human Nature, and Social Cooperation

7. Becoming Ethical: The Development of Morality

Part III: Normative Ethics: Theory and Application

9. Respecting Persons, Respecting Rights: The Ethics of Duty

10. The Virtuous and the Vicious: Considering Character

11. The Examined Life: A Guide to Moral Thinking and Decision-Making

12. Applying Ethics: Utilizing Ethical Concepts and Frameworks for Decision-Making

Index

Description

For use as a primary text in undergraduate courses in criminal justice, criminology, and justice studies programs that confront moral and ethical dimensions (e.g., “Criminal Justice Ethics,” “Morality in Criminal Justice”). This text may also be of value for graduate courses in these areas.

This comprehensive, provocative text meaningfully examines ethical theories and their application to current issues, controversies, and professional scenarios in law, crime, and justice. It introduces students to the foundations of the study of ethics and morality; examines prominent moral and ethical themes, conflicts, and struggles in criminology and criminal justice; and explores the conceptual and practical value of key ethical concepts, principles, and arguments. This edition is extensively updated and revised for greater clarity, cohesiveness, and accessibility. An all-new chapter demonstrates practical application of normative frameworks to ethical dilemmas, and another largely new chapter introduces game theory, evolutionary psychology, and related concepts. Readers will find expanded discussions of social contract, cognitive neuroscience, Carol Gilligan’s ethic of care, and much more.

Familiarizes students with crucial ethical concepts—including “good,” “right,” “just,” “freedom,” “choice,” “obligation,” “duty,” and “virtue”

• Gives students a strong foundation for understanding how core ethical concepts can inform moral reasoning and decision-making in criminal justice settings

Integrative approach—showcases concrete issues and practical dilem