Studying moral philosophy and ethics allows us to explore our understandings of what is right and wrong, where these ideas come from and how they shape our moral judgements. In criminal justice contexts, it is of utmost importance that you have an in-depth understanding of concepts and processes related to ethical decision making and that you have practised and applied critical thinking skills to the dilemmas that you may face. In this assessment task, you need to respond to the two prompts below. In the first section of the essay, you will make an informed case for studying ethics in criminal justice. Second, you will compare and contrast two theoretical perspectives we have studied (i.e. Divine Command Theory; Kantianism; Utilitarianism; Social Contract Theory).
1. Why study and understand ethics? (400 words)
2. Compare and contrast two theoretical perspectives (800 words)
**please include intext citiations and reference list at the end.
** worth 30% of overall mark
Content
Evidence given to support viewpoint (examples and facts). Theory and appropriate evidence (examples) is used to support perspective.
10
Structure
Topic of essay is clearly introduced; Conclusion or resolution is provided after discussion and analysis.
Word count is met (+/- 10%)
5
Application and Context
Application and discussion of theories, frameworks and evidence as they relate to criminal justice settings and practice.
10
Writing Conventions
Proper grammar spelling and punctuation.
Accurate in-text referencing– Harvard Style;
Accurate reference list – Harvard Style;
Direct quotes and paraphrasing are accurate and integrated appropriately.
5