Test Bank for Criminal Justice Ethics
Banks
ISBN: 9781071875384
Criminal Justice Ethics (6th)
ISBN 9781071875384 | Chapter 1
Total Questions: 69
Multiple Choice (50)
Q1. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
The field of ethics is also known as ______.
a) moral philosophy ✓ correct
b) moralography
c) post-modernism
d) moralology
Q2. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Which is a true statement about ethics?
a) Ethics is a universally agreed upon concept.
b) Ethics do not influence our behaviors.
c) The absolute truth is the desired result of using ethics.
d) Ethics help us determine what is right or wrong. ✓ correct
Q3. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
What type of ethics is concerned with methods, language, and logical structure?
a) metaethics ✓ correct
b) normative ethics
c) applied ethics
d) method ethics
Q4. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
The branch of ethics concerned with the question of what “good” means is ______.
a) normative ethics
b) metaethics ✓ correct
c) applied ethics
d) philosophy
Q5. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Normative ethics is a form of ethics devised to assist in deciding ______.
a) which system of ethics is best
b) what is appropriate behavior ✓ correct
c) what is good or right in the abstract
d) which government or agency policies are best
Q6. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
We must study ethics in order to define ______.
a) life
b) unethical behavior ✓ correct
c) absolute truth
d) responsibility
Q7. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Why is the study of ethics especially important in criminal justice?
a) Unethical behavior is more rampant in criminal justice than in other fields.
b) Most criminal justice professionals do not understand ethics.
c) Criminal justice professionals have historically ignored ethics in their decision making.
d) Ethics is crucial in decisions involving discretion, force, and due process. ✓ correct
Q8. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
The central notion to ______ ethics is that one’s conduct must take into account moral issues.
a) meta
b) normative ✓ correct
c) applied
d) method
Q9. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Which is true about the beliefs of ethical relativism?
a) Ethics are universal and consistent.
b) What is right or ethical may vary from person to person or culture to culture. ✓ correct
c) Answers to ethical questions are relative to the etiology of the problem.
d) Everyone has the same cultural standards.
Q10. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
According to Holmes (1998), which suggests that there is moral right and wrong but contends what is right for one, may be wrong for another?
a) ethical relativism ✓ correct
b) cultural relativism
c) extreme or individual relativism
d) ethical absolutism
Q11. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application Which illustrates cultural relativism?
a) While those in the U.S. do not condone the practice of polygamy, it is recognized as acceptable in other countries.
b) Punishments for theft vary from probation in the U.S. to cutting off a hand in Saudi Arabia. ✓ correct
c) Abortion is an issue where there is a lot of disagreement in the U.S. d) Anyone who murders their spouse should be sentenced to death.
Q12. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Which is a major problem with cultural relativism?
a) It provides answers to issues and spurs debate.
b) It operates as a moral isolationism. ✓ correct
c) Values of different historical periods are valid throughout time.
d) Cultures are totally isolated from one another.
Q13. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis Which is true according to ethical absolutism?
a) There is an eternal, unchanging moral law that applies everywhere to everyone. ✓ correct
b) There are absolutely no moral universals.
c) There are many possible ethical truths.
d) No set of moral rules is absolutely true in all times and all places.
Q14. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Which is considered valid regardless of the thought and feeling?
a) ethical relativism
b) cultural relativism
c) extreme or individual relativism
d) ethical absolutism ✓ correct
Q15. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
What does ethical absolutism teach?
a) multiple truths
b) variations by culture
c) the value of an open mind, of tolerance, and understanding ✓ correct
d) a universal truth
Q16. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
What does ethical pluralism argue?
a) There are a lot of alternatives but only one can be correct.
b) The principle with which the greatest number of people agree is the correct principle.
c) There are many truths rather than a single truth. ✓ correct
d) Ethical absolutism applies only when there are a large number of ethical options.
Q17. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
The principles of understanding, tolerance, standing up and fallibility are all parts of the theory of ethical ______.
a) relativism
b) pluralism ✓ correct
c) absolutism
d) exoneration
Q18. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
The principle of understanding requires that we ______.
a) appreciate the meaning of ethical standards in other cultures from the perspective of those cultures ✓ correct
b) accept the existence of differences but deny diversity in ethical standards
c) be prepared to stand up against moral wrongdoing by creating more laws
d) be prepared to learn from other cultures yet have our own moral codes.
Q19. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
According to Hinman (1998), under the principle of ______ people should be prepared to stand up to what he calls “egregious moral wrongdoing.”
a) understanding
b) tolerance
c) standing up against evil ✓ correct
d) fallibility
Q20. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
The author of the text suggests that supporting and upholding the execution of persons 16 or younger illustrates the principle of ______.
a) relativism
b) absolutism
c) fallibility ✓ correct
d) tolerance
Q21. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Kane (1996) argues for an approach that emphasizes ethical pluralism that does not imply indifference. He calls this approach ______, which indicates recognition that we do not possess the truth and are willing to learn from others and to search for truths beyond our own limited point of view.
a) closeness
b) openness ✓ correct
c) correctness
d) demonstrative
Q22. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Which reflects the views of an ethical pluralist?
a) There is one single truth and there are moral absolutes.
b) We cannot learn from the morality of other societies that do not match up with ours.
c) We must accept the fact that there are differences in the morality of different societies. ✓ correct
d) Once a moral decision has been made it cannot be changed.
Q23. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Which famous philosopher discussed the issue of whether divine command theory was concerned with power of the Gods to command?
a) Plato
b) Aristotle
c) Socrates ✓ correct
d) Euripides
Q24. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis Divine Command Theory argues that ______.
a) religion is the only basis one should use to make moral decisions
b) natural law and religion command that individuals do the right thing
c) what is morally right is what God directs, and conversely, what is morally wrong is what God prohibits ✓ correct
d) we are unable to be critical thinkers if we do not value religion.
Q25. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application Which belief is reflective of a divine command theory believer?
a) Ethical standards of conduct are set by God. ✓ correct
b) Divine commands can vary and be drawn from a variety of religious texts.
c) Conduct is right when it mirrors cultural beliefs.
d) Divine commands are those that arise from superstition.
Q26. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Which is true of the idea of natural law?
a) It is almost identical to religious law.
b) We can identify some factors that are common to our human nature. ✓ correct
c) A behavior is natural because God commands it.
d) God commands a law because it is natural.
Q27. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension Natural laws are said to ______.
a) have no impact on human behavior
b) incorporate human nature and goals humans naturally seek ✓ correct
c) represent a search for variations in morals
d) be grounded in religion
Q28. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Steffen (2012) argued a proposal to bridge the gap between ethical theory and ______.
a) relativism
b) absolutism
c) lived experiences ✓ correct
d) cultural beliefs
Q29. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Legislation, statutes, and regulations made by governments are known as ______.
a) natural law
b) relative ethics
c) law ✓ correct
d) metaethics
Q30. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Which scenario illustrates when laws conflict with ethical standards?
a) Laws in every state prohibit murdering another person.
b) It is illegal to sexually assault another individual.
c) Recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado. ✓ correct
d) The speed limit on the highway is 70 mph in Florida.
Q31. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
An ethical dilemma can arise when a person ______.
a) is faced with choices that involve conflicting ethical principles ✓ correct
b) knowingly decides to violate the clearly applicable ethical principle
c) is punished for making an ethical decision
d) cannot determine which ethical principles apply
Q32. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
What is true about the difference between an ethical dilemma and an ethical issue?
a) An ethical dilemma is more important than an ethical issue.
b) An ethical issue involves a public policy question. ✓ correct
c) An ethical issue involves questions of individual ethical conduct.
d) An ethical dilemma involves conflicting principles, while an ethical issue does not.
Q33. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Which scenario is an example of a prosecutorial ethical situation?
a) deciding to charge a defendant because of his race
b) seeking the maximum penalty under three-strikes legislation ✓ correct
c) withholding exculpatory evidence from the defense
d) putting a witness on the stand they know is lying
Q34. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Which is true of ethical issues?
a) Ethical issues require individual decision making beyond the decision of whether one is in favor of, or opposed to, a particular social issue.
b) They require most individuals to decide the issue does not mean an individual is helpless to influence public debate on a social issue.
c) They are usually an issue of public policy. ✓ correct
d) They involve questions of ethical conduct.
Q35. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Which is the first of the six recommended steps in solving an ethical dilemma?
a) identifying available options
b) collecting all relevant facts
c) identifying the fact that one is faced with an ethical dilemma ✓ correct
d) identifying relevant personal values
Q36. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Hare (1987) argues moral judgments must be able to be applied ______.
a) differently
b) universally ✓ correct
c) continuously
d) sparingly
Q37. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Personal values are ______.
a) what is good or right in the abstract
b) deciding which government or agency policies are best
c) what individuals care about and what they think is important ✓ correct
d) deciding which system of ethics is best
Q38. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Which is an example of an ethical issue in the relationship between personal and professional interests?
a) the use of authority to promote personal values
b) using institutional time and materials for personal gain unrelated to legitimate work activity ✓ correct
c) policies involving harsher penalties, resulting in prison warehousing
d) using relationships with clients or the public for personal gain
Q39. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Which is an example of an ethical issue in criminal justice and public policy?
a) the use of capital punishment ✓ correct
b) policing policy in domestic violence cases
c) problems of confidentiality and privileged communication
d) engaging in or promoting professional activities that are contrary to personal values
Q40. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Which is an example of an ethical issues resulting from policing policies?
a) government-imposed mandatory sentencing
b) Eegaging in or promoting professional activities that are contrary to personal values
c) police gratuities, free meals, and discounts on purchases
d) implementing stop and frisk practices ✓ correct
Q41. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
The criminalization of immigration, or “crimmigration,” is an example of an ethical problem in ______.
a) the use of authority
b) the relationship between personal and professional interests
c) criminal justice and public policy ✓ correct
d) information sharing
Q42. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Capital punishment and the use of armed drones and targeted killings by authorities are examples of ethical problems ______.
a) dealing with human rights issues in the criminal justice system ✓ correct
b) resulting from policing policies
c) in criminal justice and public policy
d) in information sharing
Q43. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Engaging in or promoting professional activities that are contrary to personal values is an example of an ethical problem in ______.
a) the use of authority
b) the relationship between personal and professional interests ✓ correct
c) personal and professional commitments to clients
d) criminal justice and public policy
Q44. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Which is an example of an ethical issue in criminal justice and public policy?
a) policing policy in domestic violence cases
b) increased surveillance of citizens in society ✓ correct
c) problems of confidentiality and privileged communication
d) engaging in or promoting professional activities that are contrary to personal values
Q45. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Police use of body cameras, and “Stop and Frisk” are all examples of ethical problems resulting from
______.
a) policing policies ✓ correct
b) information sharing
c) societal norms
d) the media reporting of crime
Q46. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Use of force is an example of an ethical issue ______.
a) resulting from policing policies ✓ correct
b) in information sharing
c) dealing with human rights issues in the criminal justice system
d) in the media reporting of crime
Q47. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Which is an example of an ethical issue in information sharing?
a) the war on drugs
b) problems of confidentiality and privileged communication ✓ correct
c) rules or practices relating to retention or disposal of court records
d) engaging in or promoting professional activities that are contrary to personal values
Q48. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Ethics of withholding information from a client, the court, or police, is an example of an ethical problem
______.
a) resulting from policing policies
b) in information sharing ✓ correct
c) dealing with human rights issues in the criminal justice system
d) in the media reporting of crime
Q49. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Crime and public opinion is an example of an ethical issue ______.
a) resulting from policing policies
b) in information sharing
c) dealing with human rights issues in the criminal justice system
d) in the media reporting of crime ✓ correct
Q50. [Multiple Choice] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
The politicization of crime is an example of an ethical issue ______.
a) resulting from policing policies
b) in the media reporting of crime ✓ correct
c) dealing with human rights issues in the criminal justice system
d) in information sharing
True/False (10)
Q51. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Ethical pluralism and ethical relativism are similar in that both tend to reject moral or ethical absolutes.
a) True ✓ correct b) False
Correct answer: True
Q52. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
The principles of normative ethics help us decide which government policies are best.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q53. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Cultural and ethical relativism are similar approaches to ethics.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q54. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge Police gratuities do not raise ethical issues. a) True b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q55. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
An ethical or cultural relativist will not condemn practices in other cultures that are required by that culture.
a) True ✓ correct b) False
Correct answer: True
Q56. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge Ethics is a branch of the field of philosophy.
a) True ✓ correct b) False
Correct answer: True
Q57. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
The study of ethics decreases sensitivity to issues of right and wrong.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q58. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
The study of ethics is important for criminal justice personnel in that it can provide tools and perspectives on how to properly exercise discretion.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q59. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Cultural relativism argues that every society has a different moral code explaining what acts are permitted or not permitted.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q60. [True/False] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Values include what individuals care about and what they think are important.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Essay (9)
Q61. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
What is the purpose of normative ethics?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Normative ethics is fundamental to ethical decision-making in the criminal justice system as it takes into account one’s conduct in moral issues.
Q62. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
What is the basic argument of ethical relativism?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Ethical relativism argues that what is morally right or wrong may vary in a fundamental way from person to person or from culture to culture.
Q63. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
What is the basic argument of moral absolutism?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Moral absolutism argues that there exists an eternal and unchanging moral law, the same for all people, at all times and places.
Q64. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
What is “natural law?”
Suggested answer: Sample response: Natural laws are those laws that govern human behavior and define the right way to live.
Q65. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Give a brief example of an ethical dilemma in the use of authority.
Suggested answer: Sample response: An example of an ethical dilemma in the use of authority would be using authority to escape accountability for wrongdoing.
Q66. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Compare and contrast ethical and cultural relativism with ethical absolutism.
Suggested answer: Sample response: Ethical relativism, which includes cultural relativism, suggests that what is morally right or wrong may vary in a fundamental way from person to person or from culture to culture. Cultural relativism is a type of ethical relativism looking at variations in moral expectations depending on culture. In order to judge a person by ethical standards we must consider that person by the standards of their own culture and not by our own. Ethical absolutism on the other hand asserts that there is a universal and unchanging moral law that is the same for all people. There is only one true perspective as to what is right and wrong. These perspectives are essentially opposites in their assertions.
Q67. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
How does the theory of ethical pluralism help one steer a course between ethical relativism and ethical absolutism?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Ethical pluralism is the belief that in most situations there are no absolute single truths and instead there are many truths. Where ethical relativism and ethical absolutism seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, ethical pluralism allows for an approach that more of a middle ground between these two theories. While there are times where the majority agree on ethics there are other times where the culture will dictate the ethics. Ethical pluralism incorporates four principles into these decisions including the principle of understanding, the principle of tolerance, the principle of standing up against evil and the principle of fallibility. Applying these principles allows us to consider when ethics are more universal and absolute or when we need to consider the cultural context of the situation.
Q68. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Application
Explain how an officer would go about analyzing and solving an ethical dilemma. Use an example to illustrate.
Suggested answer: Sample response: In order to address an ethical dilemma an officer must identify the issue, gather information about the issue, identify options for how to proceed and then making a final decision on how to handle this dilemma after applying the ethical approaches to each course of action. An example of this would be an officer who pulls over a driver who is driving erratically. When he approaches the car he realizes that the driver is a fellow officer. He recognizes that this is an ethical dilemma. His department has informed officers that they should extend “professional courtesy” to each other for certain infractions. The officer begins to assess the situation and recognizes that the fellow officer is under the influence. He considers his options. If he lets the fellow officer off without consequence there is a risk that the officer will hurt himself or others on his way home. If he takes him into custody, he could be reprimanded for not following protocol about professional courtesy. A third approach would be to drive the officer home so he is safe and not report the incident. After considering each of these possible actions the officer decides that he should take the officer into custody. As an officer of the law, he must uphold the ethical standards expected of him and he feels that the fellow officer should be held accountable for his actions.
Q69. [Essay] · Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Why is the study of ethics an important part of the criminal justice field?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Ethics is an essential part of ensuring the criminal justice system is effective and just. The criminal justice system involves professionals who make discretionary decisions in their daily activities. These same professionals exercise power and authority over others and are able to use force. Both the law and accepted standards of behavior imposes ethical rules and responsibilities on these professionals. These professionals must understand and abide by ethical standards in carrying out these duties. Within criminal justice, ethics is crucial in decisions involving discretion, force, and due process because criminal justice professionals can be tempted to abuse their powers. Additionally, we must ensure that policies and practices are equitable and fair for all citizens.