Ethical Issues Paper

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Grand Canyon University *

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333

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Arts Humanities

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Ethical Issues Paper A Critical Examination of Prison Reform in the Criminal Justice System Lauren Rush College of Humanities and Social Science; Grand Canyon University COM-333: Communication Ethics Professor Angela Oleson December 17, 2023

Rush 1 Introduction There are many ethical difficulties in the complex web of the criminal justice system, which casts doubt on the pursuit of justice and the overall well-being of society. One area of particular concern is prison reform, where the fine line between rehabilitation and punishment verges on immorality. “Codes of ethics serve to clarify the duties of public servants working in corrections, which include helping to guarantee social justice at their institutions” (Garth-James, K. 2022).The moral labyrinth includes problems like overcrowding in facilities, cruel living circumstances, and the institutional inability to deal with the underlying causes of criminal conduct. Although punishment is a social reaction to illegal behavior, its moral ramifications are heightened when jails function as havens for new offenses rather than as places of rehabilitation. The urgent need for ethical reflection within the criminal justice system is explored in this essay, which also highlights the vital role that prison reform plays in promoting a society that is fair and tolerant. We shed light on the way towards a more compassionate approach to rehabilitation by examining the moral implications of punitive tactics. Studying the relationship between ethics and prison reform is crucial because it reveals the moral need to address systemic flaws and help the prisoners move toward rehabilitation. While engaging in this conversation, we also traverse the moral boundaries that, when appropriately addressed, can lead society toward a criminal justice system that is not merely punitive but also essentially just and humane. Current Issue: Overcrowding and Inhumane Conditions The widespread problem of prison overcrowding creates serious ethical issues that have an impact on the entire criminal justice system. “Prisons are inherently and deeply problematic and efforts at reform typically further embed precisely that from which we wish to free ourselves” (Brown, M. 2021). When the number of prisoners exceeds the capacity of correctional

Rush 2 facilities, a basic problem arises and a number of ethical conundrums arise. Overcrowding in prisons puts a burden on resources and restricts access to basic services like mental health counseling, education, and medical attention. The moral foundation of the criminal justice system is put in jeopardy by this compromise in the provision of fundamental necessities, which violates the humane treatment due to each individual. Overcrowding has a significant impact on prisoners' chances of rehabilitation and overall well-being. Congestion-prone areas are known to be violent, which leads to mental health issues and lowers the likelihood of recovery. When punitive techniques clash with the goal to achieve meaningful societal reintegration, ethical quandaries arise. The issue emerges when overcrowding and unwelcoming conditions in correctional institutions serve as breeding grounds for the continuation of criminal behavior. The necessity of improving jail conditions is highlighted by current crises and events. The catastrophic effects of unregulated overcrowding are brought to light by high-profile episodes, which can range from illness outbreaks to acts of extreme violence. These occurrences require a reevaluation of our commitment to the humane treatment of persons involved in the criminal justice system, acting as ethical wake-up calls. To tackle these issues, society has to face the moral requirement of making sure that punitive actions respect the fundamental rights of those incarcerated while also upholding their intrinsic dignity. Importance of Ethical Considerations in Prison Reform Given that they embody the core ideals of justice, compassion, and a recognition of every human being's inherent dignity, ethical problems in prison reform are critical. Moral prison reform is based on the necessity to treat offenders with respect and dignity. Respecting people's inherent worth is a moral imperative, regardless of their transgressions. The purpose of ethical

Rush 3 prison reform is to eradicate dehumanizing behaviors, with the notion that a prisoner's freedom should not be equated with a denial of their basic human rights. In addition to being morally required, humane imprisonment conditions are essential for effective rehabilitation. The relationship between moral care and recovery emphasizes how settings that promote respect for self and others, mental health services, and learning opportunities, and educational possibilities all assist a person's potential for growth and development. Beyond harsh punishment, the ethical component recognizes the possibility of atonement and rehabilitation in society. Maintaining society's norms and values requires enforcing ethical jail reform. The way a society treats its most vulnerable individuals affects its justice, and prisoners are one group that requires ethical consideration. By prioritizing rehabilitation above punitive measures, society demonstrates its commitment to justice, empathy, and the transformative power of second chances. The greater social goal of building a legal system that not only deters crime but also embodies the moral norms of a caring and educated community is compatible with ethical prison reform. Arguing for Comprehensive Prison Reform Promoting a shift in mindset away from harsh punishments and toward rehabilitative alternatives is essential to the cause of comprehensive prison reform. The stance emphasizes how morally necessary it is to view prisoners as subjects who have the potential to be saved rather than as objects of punishment. The ethical foundation of this argument is formed by primary sources and scholarly research, which demonstrate the negative effects of excessively punishing measures on recidivism rates and the long-term well-being of prisoners. Academic works by

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