Incorporating Kohlbergs Stages of Moral Development into the Justice System

Incorporating Kohlbergs Stages of Moral Development into the Justice System

Morality can be described as the standards used to differentiate what is right and what is wrong. Such standards can either be personal or universal and entail one’s understanding and attitudes toward morals. The development of morals happens to be the evolution of an individual’s definition of what is considered moral over an extended period, like from childhood to adulthood. In this paper, I will discuss the application of the theory of moral development by Kohlberg in the justice system, particularly in the department of police. Do you need help with your assignment ? Reach out to us at eminencepapers.com.

Lawrence Kohlberg described the three moral development stages. The first stage is the pre-conventional level; this is a moral development level where external forces greatly control a person’s sense of morality (Zizek, Garz, & Nowak, 2015). The external forces can be parents, and the actions of that particular individual are guided by their actions’ consequences. The pre-conventional morality of a child does not adopt or internalize the conventions of society in regard to what is wrong or right; instead, it largely focuses on the external consequences of certain actions. The second stage is the conventional level, where the actions and the moral sense of an individual are guided by the probable benefits that could be a result of those actions (Zizek, Garz, & Nowak, 2015). Throughout this level, one’s sense of morality is connected to both societal and personal relationships. As one grows, they continue to the rules that have been set by the authorities, but in this case, it is because they believe that it is necessary to make sure that there is societal order and positive relationships. Adherence to conventions and rules is somehow rigid in this stage, and the fairness and appropriateness of rules are seldom questioned. The third and final stage is the post-conventional stage (Zizek, Garz, & Nowak, 2015). This level is where an individual defines morality abstractly, and they hold that some of the rules set are not fair and should be eradicated. The post-conventional level is marked by an increasing recognition that society and individuals are two different entities and that the latter might fail to obey the rules that are not consistent with their principles. Here, individuals tend to live by their ethical principles, which normally include fundamental human rights such as justice, liberty, and life. They think that rules are important but changeable mechanisms instead of outright dictates, which should be obeyed without being questioned (Zizek, Garz, & Nowak, 2015). As the police chief, I would ensure that all the officers in my department understand this theory of development. That way, investigations will be fostered, and offenders that fall into different categories will be identified, and as a result, it could lead to better findings.

Kohlberg’s theory of development can be used in the evaluation of criminals at different moral development stages. In the first stage, criminals entirely attempt to obey authority and follow the law accordingly (Rivera‐Vazquez, 2014). However, their crime results from them experimenting with their actions with the sole purpose of seeing what would happen, and they might end up breaking the law without intending to cause any harm. In stage two, the offender is motivated by the possible returns they would get from their criminal activities. In the final level, the offender might have the attitude that some of the rules are neither fair nor just and, thus, are not considered worthy of being adhered to, and as a result, they end up in jail because they have broken the rules.

Misconduct in the police force is very rampant, and as the chief of police, I would institute operative measures that will enable the public to report any cases of police misconduct and proper retraining mechanisms (Rivera‐Vazquez, 2014). Also, I would propose a public reporting system be created to make sure that every officer in service who fails to adhere to the rules is reported to the relevant authorities. This measure has proven to be effective and must be pushed further. Retraining, on the other hand, involves the introduction of regular classes in which the police officers are informed of the right conduct and the adverse effects of police misconduct.

The prima facie duty that should be included in the police force is the duty not to cause any kind of harm to civilians (Rivera‐Vazquez, 2014). This involves avoiding the use of excessive force during arrests in order to avoid bodily harm and injuries to the offender. Another duty is to expand their individual skills and knowledge, which will enable them to provide effective and efficient services to society. This will also help them to be more competent when on duty.

It is very clear that the theory of moral development by Lawrence Kohlberg can be applied effectively in the police force. As seen, it can be applied in criminals’ evaluations at different moral attitude stages. Also, if applied, this theory can help to improve the police conduct while on duty and expand their professional competence, which are among the most vital prima facie police duties.

Sources

Zizek, B., Garz, D., & Nowak, E. (Eds.). (2015). Kohlberg revisited. Springer.

Rivera‐Vazquez, O. (2014). Moral Development. The Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 1-5.

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Assignment 2: Incorporating Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development into the Justice System

Due Week 7 and worth 120 points

Imagine you are the chief of police. As the chief of police, you will need to ensure that your law enforcement officers lead ethical careers. In order to prepare for this assignment, review Chapters 7 through 9 in the textbook. Then, research Kohlberg’s stages of moral development and find at least two (2) relevant articles that discuss Kohlberg’s theory, Means vs. Ends, and Kantian ethics.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1. Identify and discuss the three (3) levels of Kohlberg’s stages of Moral Development, and explain how you would address each level within your department.

2. Explain how your officers can use Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development to evaluate three (3) types of criminals who are at different stages of moral development.

3. Illustrate two to three (2-3) ways in which you would address self-interest and pursuit of pleasure to prevent police corruption.

4. Identify and discuss at least three (3) Prima Facie Duties that you believe all of your law enforcement officers should fulfill.

5. Support your position statement with two (2) relevant and credible references, documented according to SWS. (Note: Do not use open source sites such as Ask.com, eHow.com, Answers.com, and Wikipedia.)