CIA210 - Ethics and the Justice System

Subject Title
Ethics and the Justice System

Subject Description
This course introduces students to ethical issues that arise in the criminal justice system. Students examine various theoretical perspectives that explore the social and organizational processes that lead to ethical dilemmas, corruption, systemic discrimination, and other forms of morally questionable behaviour within the criminal justice system.  A historical perspective of ethical dilemmas and how ethical theories are directly applied to decision-making within the criminal justice system are discussed.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Compare the major schools of ethical thought and moral reasoning.
2. Apply ethical models to define strategies to resolve unethical conduct.
3. Describe the ethical challenges that law enforcement officials face in carrying out obligations and duties.
4. Analyze ethical scenarios in law enforcement to determine the outcomes of unethical conduct.
5. Apply ethical theories to analyze situations that involve informed consent, whistleblowing, and conflicts of interest.
6. Analyze the use of police discretion within crime prevention.
7. Explain the problems related to misconduct, oversight, recruiting, training and education.

Essential Employability Skills
    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.