I recently had the opportunity to attend a local criminal court case at the Ogden City Justice Court. Going into the proceedings I was unsure what to expect, and, quite frankly, I felt a little intimidated going in. However, I am thankful for the experience, and found it particularly interesting to relate the proceedings with some of the principles I have learned in class regarding ethics and laws.
While it is important to know that many unethical misconducts are unlawful, it does not inherently mean that all unethical misconducts are unlawful. The idea of what is and isn’t ethical is continually changing with society. Similarly, the laws developed in society are constantly debated and adjusted in Congress as the people who create those laws …show more content…
These processes, like the processes of enacting laws, are designed to keep order and protect all people. I found it very interesting to see these formal proceedings take place.
I arrived at the Justice Court on April 13th for the 9 A.M. session. Judge Dee W. Smith was the judge for the court sessions. The first impression that I noted was how strictly formal it was. In order to protect the justice system, and its purpose of upholding societal control, mitigating crime, or punishing those that break the law. It is important that these processes and systems remain true to their purpose of ensuring people’s rights. Throughout the next few paragraphs, I would like to discuss some of the cases that took place upon my visit to the Justice Court. The very first case that I observed was that of an older gentleman for a joy ride. The prosecutor attorney relayed the evidence to the judge on what and where the crime was committed. The defendant, and his lawyer, did not look to deny the claims as they pleaded guilty, but did hope to mitigate the charges. The Judge was not impressed, and told the man that this was one of many crimes committed in the last couple of years and it appeared that the man was “not learning to take responsibility of his actions.” The final verdict of the case was 12-month probation and a $680.00
While it is important to know that many unethical misconducts are unlawful, it does not inherently mean that all unethical misconducts are unlawful. The idea of what is and isn’t ethical is continually changing with society. Similarly, the laws developed in society are constantly debated and adjusted in Congress as the people who create those laws …show more content…
These processes, like the processes of enacting laws, are designed to keep order and protect all people. I found it very interesting to see these formal proceedings take place.
I arrived at the Justice Court on April 13th for the 9 A.M. session. Judge Dee W. Smith was the judge for the court sessions. The first impression that I noted was how strictly formal it was. In order to protect the justice system, and its purpose of upholding societal control, mitigating crime, or punishing those that break the law. It is important that these processes and systems remain true to their purpose of ensuring people’s rights. Throughout the next few paragraphs, I would like to discuss some of the cases that took place upon my visit to the Justice Court. The very first case that I observed was that of an older gentleman for a joy ride. The prosecutor attorney relayed the evidence to the judge on what and where the crime was committed. The defendant, and his lawyer, did not look to deny the claims as they pleaded guilty, but did hope to mitigate the charges. The Judge was not impressed, and told the man that this was one of many crimes committed in the last couple of years and it appeared that the man was “not learning to take responsibility of his actions.” The final verdict of the case was 12-month probation and a $680.00