“Initial Post” Instructions: Read the following scenario and use the 5 steps to analyze ethical
dilemmas (discussed in Chapter 2 and listed below) to solve the dilemma. You will be assigned
one of two ethical systems to pick from to solve the dilemma (listed below). Failure to use the
system assigned to you will result in a grade of “0” for this assignment. Below you will find a list
of the ethical system you have been assigned for this exercise.
Please make sure you number your answers in accordance with the 5 steps and identify which
ethical system you use in response to step #5.
Scenario: Defense Attorney Representing Suspected Killer
Scenario: Defense Attorney Representing Suspected Killer
Your first big case is a multiple murder. As the defense attorney representing the killer, you have
come to the realization that he really did break into a couple’s home and torture and kill them in
the course of robbing them of jewelry and other valuables. He has even confessed to you that he
did it. However, you are also aware that the police did not read him his Miranda warnings and
that he was coerced into giving a confession without your presence. What should you do?
5 Steps to Analyze Ethical Dilemmas
1. Identify the facts: Only identify the facts presented in the given scenario. Do not
include any extra information or your feelings/opinions. Make sure to list all the facts
mentioned in the scenario.
2. Identify relevant values: List at least 3 values relevant to this case (refer to Box 1.3, for
examples of values).
3. Identify all possible ethical dilemmas for each party involved: Dilemmas refer to the
possible courses of action one can take to address the situation. Examples of dilemmas
include: As a police officer, do I take money in exchange for not arresting someone? As a
lawyer, do I ignore the evidence in this case? The dilemmas must be written in
question form.
4. Decide what the most immediate ethical dilemma identified in step #3 is: You must
pick only one of the dilemmas (questions) you have identified in step #3. This is the
dilemma you will resolve in step #5.
5. Resolve the dilemma by using one of the two ethical systems you have been assigned
for the assignment (see below). In your response you need to: explicitly state the system
you used, the resolution to the dilemma you picked in step #4 and explain how the ethical
system you pick led you to this conclusion. Your answer should be detailed and should
demonstrate your understanding of the ethical system you pick and how that ethical
system results in the resolution you make. **Make sure you state your resolution
clearly.
Assignment of Ethical Systems:
1. Ethics of Virtue or Ethics of Care: