Theory of Justice Analysis Paper - Essay Example

One of the more famous views of ethics is primarily about the rights and duties of agents, which take precedent over individual feelings or inclinations, the wishes of the majority, or utilitarian calculations about what would make most people happy. Rights trump the pursuit of goods. There are fundamental principles and duties that restrain self-interest. Ethics explores the theoretical foundations of moral theology. It searches oneself before making a decision and taking action. The various schools and thought and concepts written about ethics provide the appropriate tool to guide a person in his decision making process, particularly in justice and security organizations.

According to Souryal (2007), “the origins of criminal justice ethics can be found in an amalgam of the following sources: (1) natural law; (2) religious testaments; (3) constitutional provisions; (4) professional codes of ethics; and (5) philosophical” (85). The natural law traced its origins from the beginning of mankind encompassing all people, universally applicable and hardly changing. Considered the law of humanity, the natural law incorporates human rights and clearly defines principles that restrict the power of government over the individual’s welfare.

Religious testaments indicate the significant role that religion plays in defining ethical issues and moral codes of conduct – but not the only source of principles in ethical issues (Souryal, 2007, 98). Constitutional provisions provide the framework for laws and regulations designed in accordance with ethical standards of right and wrong. As averred by Souryal (2007), “the Constitution is an oracle that epitomizes the truths of the social contract that unites the citizens and their government and sets the fundamental values of political order” (98).

directed toward a common good” (Souryal, 2007, 101). The criminal justice system and other security organizations operate under the governance and jurisdiction of clearly