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.
Hallmark Features
Familiarizes students with crucial ethical concepts—including “good,” “right,” “just,” “freedom,” “choice,” “obligation,” “duty,” and “virtue”
Integrative approach—showcases concrete issues and practical dilemmas more effectively, while providing immediately relevant conceptual context
Comprehensive overview of ethical concepts, principles, and theories—thoroughly introducing the foundations of ethical thinking, and clarifying theirrelevance to crime, law, and criminal justice
Emphasis on reason and critical thinking skills throughout—challenging students to overcome common obstacles to good ethical thinking and to approach ethical issues and moral dilemmas through critical reflection and the use of conceptual ethical “tools”
Generous treatment of metaethical and moral psychological concerns—including several chapters addressing free will and determinism, relativism, self-interest, moral motivation and development, and their significance to issues of crime, law, and justice
Contemporary issues, controversies, and “real life” cases and scenarios—maximizes relevance to criminology, criminal justice, and justice studies
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Designed to interest anyone concerned with the study of law, crime, or justice from any standpoint -- from policing, courts, and corrections to policymaking
Numerous pedagogical features—including lists of key terms, chapter summaries, review and discussion questions, illustrations, examples and counterexamples, boxed inserts, and more