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Module 2 Assignment - Assessing Justice Official Conduct and Ethical Considerations

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Module 2 Assignment - Assessing Justice Official Conduct and Ethical Considerations

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maximogreen2003
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Module 2 Assignment - Assessing Justice Official Conduct and Ethical Considerations

Maximo Green

Ethics in Criminal Justice

Professor Rich Eshenaur

September 2, 2024
Introduction

The Daunte Wright shooting in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on April 11, 2021, was another

tragic event that brought issues of police use of force, racial bias, and the need for policing reform into

sharp focus. During what should have been a routine traffic stop, Officer Kimberly Potter fatally shot

Wright, claiming she mistook her gun for a taser. This incident has raised serious ethical questions about

the actions of those involved and has fueled ongoing debates about justice and human rights in policing.

In this paper, I’ll explore these issues, focusing on the roles of justice officials, the impact of different

types of justice, and what this case means for human rights policing.

Substantive vs. Procedural Justice

Substantive justice is all about the fairness of the outcomes—whether the right thing happens in

the end. Procedural justice, on the other hand, is about the fairness of the process—making sure everyone

gets treated fairly, regardless of the outcome (Smyth, 2021).

In the Daunte Wright case, procedural justice really stands out. The way Officer Potter handled

the situation raises serious questions about the fairness and professionalism of the police. Did she follow

the proper procedures? Was there any bias in how the situation was handled? These are the kinds of

questions that procedural justice focuses on. For me, procedural justice is crucial because it ensures that

everyone is treated fairly in the eyes of the law, which is essential for maintaining trust in the justice

system (Smyth, 2021).

If I were a victim of crime, my focus might shift towards substantive justice. I’d want to make

sure that the person who wronged me is held accountable and that justice is served in the end. In the case
of Daunte Wright, his family is likely more concerned with seeing that the right thing is done—that

someone is held responsible for his death (Thompson, 2021).

On the flip side, if I were a suspect, I’d be more concerned about procedural justice. I’d want to

make sure that the process was fair, that I was treated justly, and that my rights were protected. In

Wright’s case, if he had survived, his primary concern would have been whether the police treated him

fairly and according to the law (Smyth, 2021).

Ethical Analysis of Justice Officials

The ethical behavior of justice officials in the Daunte Wright case is under intense scrutiny. Police

officers have a duty to protect and serve, but Officer Potter’s actions in this case raise serious ethical

questions. She claimed she mistook her gun for a taser, but this mistake had fatal consequences. Ethically,

police officers must be fully aware of their actions and the tools they use, especially in high-pressure

situations (Elicker, 2022). This incident suggests a failure in both training and decision-making, which are

critical ethical concerns.

The attorneys involved in this case also face ethical dilemmas. Prosecutors need to balance the

pursuit of justice with fairness, while defense attorneys must ensure their clients are treated justly,

regardless of public opinion or political pressure. In high-profile cases like this one, the ethical challenge

is to ensure that the legal process remains fair and unbiased, despite the intense public scrutiny

(Thompson, 2021).

Human Rights Policing

The Daunte Wright case has added fuel to the movement for human rights policing, which

advocates for law enforcement practices that respect and protect the rights of all individuals. This
movement calls for greater accountability, transparency, and community involvement in policing. It’s

about ensuring that police actions are fair and just, particularly when dealing with marginalized

communities (Elicker, 2022).

The ethical lapses in the Daunte Wright case underscore the need for reform in policing practices.

The incident has led to widespread protests and demands for change, showing how individual cases can

drive broader movements for justice and human rights in policing. This case has highlighted the

importance of de-escalation tactics and better training for officers, as well as the need for policies that

prioritize the protection of human life (Thompson, 2021).

Critical Thinking and Assessment

Looking at the Daunte Wright case critically, it’s clear that this incident is part of a larger pattern

of police violence against Black individuals in the United States. This case didn’t happen in a vacuum; it’s

a reflection of systemic issues in policing that need to be addressed (Smyth, 2021). While Officer Potter’s

actions were wrong, it’s also important to consider the high-stress environment that police officers operate

in. However, this doesn’t excuse the need for accountability and better training to prevent such tragic

mistakes in the future (Elicker, 2022).

The Daunte Wright shooting has already sparked calls for reforms in police training, the use of

tasers, and the overall approach to policing in communities of color. These reforms are crucial for

rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve and for preventing future

incidents of violence (Thompson, 2021).


Conclusion

The Daunte Wright case highlights the complex ethical issues surrounding police use of force,

justice, and human rights. The actions of the justice officials involved have far-reaching consequences,

not only for the individuals directly involved but for society as a whole. This case has become a catalyst

for the movement toward human rights policing, which seeks to ensure that the justice system operates

fairly and equitably for everyone. The push for reform in response to this case shows that change is

possible, but it requires a commitment to ethical decision-making and accountability in law enforcement.
References

Elicker, A. (2022). Police Ethics and the Challenge of Human Rights. Oxford University Press.

Smyth, R. (2021). Procedural and Substantive Justice in Policing: A Comparative Study. Journal of

Criminal Justice Ethics, 40(2), 130-145.

Thompson, M. (2021). The Daunte Wright Case and the Future of Policing Reform. Harvard Law

Review, 135(1), 98-115.

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