Academic Papers by Chandler Lewis
Over the last few years, the discussion of implicit clinician bias has become more widespread. Th... more Over the last few years, the discussion of implicit clinician bias has become more widespread. The prevalence of implicit bias in Western Medicine and the practice of accommodating patients’ racially-biased requests has become normalized in the American health care system. Smith (2019) posits “that racism exists in health care settings should surprise no one—it exists in all domains of contemporary life. What is surprising is just how little racism is formally addressed in medicine.” While there is no overarching policy or legislation that addresses this specifically, several health systems have taken steps on how to address and respond to instances of patient bias while also respecting patients’ rights.
It may also be helpful to offer a context in which this analysis is provided, especially considering that there is quite a large spectrum of approaches and strategies provided to address issues of patient choice, as well as a number of different perceptions and factors that might relate to the accommodation of patient requests. However, necessary considerations across all domains must still include the social, ethical, and legal considerations that must be taken into account as organizations develop effective patient bias policies while still being cognizant of traditional challenges and barriers to implementation.
The American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics provides some guidance for physicians and clinicians facing RDM by patients in Opinion 1.2.2, which states:
1) The relationship between patients and physicians is based on trust and should serve to promote patients’ well-being while respecting their dignity and rights.
2) Disrespectful or derogatory language or conduct on the part of either physicians or patients can undermine trust and compromise the integrity of the patient-physician relationship. It can make members of targeted groups reluctant to seek care and create an environment that strains relationships among patients, physicians, and the health care team.
Authors Auh, Mengue, Spyropoulou and Wang (2015) assert, “that service employees are amount the m... more Authors Auh, Mengue, Spyropoulou and Wang (2015) assert, “that service employees are amount the most disengaged in the work force” (p. 726). A common source of workforce disengagement is employee burnout. In the case of this study, employees are experiencing chronic burnout due to excessive work demands caused by budget cuts and a freeze on hiring. As a result of these organizational factors, on-site job demands for the existing employees have increased. Auh et al. (2015) suggests that common examples of job demands are, “role conflict, role ambiguity, role overload, and the emotional labor felt as a result of dealing with customer complaints…and that job demands can lead to strain and disengagement because employees have finite resources that they can use to cope with increasing demands” (p. 728). As noted in the scenario, employees have experienced increased work demands, likely resulting in role ambiguity, role overload and role conflict. Auh et al. (2015) contend that, “burnout occurs when employees experience stressors (i.e., job demands) that exceed their available resources for coping…and that unless job resources are replenished, employees will feel the strain of being emotionally exhausted due to job demands” (p. 729).
2015 was a tough year for Chipotle. Beginning in August, Chipotle faced its first wave of food-bo... more 2015 was a tough year for Chipotle. Beginning in August, Chipotle faced its first wave of food-borne illnesses that were caused by tainted food in several of their over 1,900 restaurants across the United States. Chipotle hadlong been moving to become a leader in the prep-to-eat food market, focusingon proving customers with not only delicious, quick Mexican-inspired dishes, but also food that was locally-sourced and healthier, including ethically-raised meats and farm-raised produce. Between August and December of 2015, Chipotlewere the sitesofseries of food-borne illnesses that affectedover 500 people. Michel Doyle, the Director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia noted, “at Chipotle, three different pathogens caused the five known outbreaks” (Berfield, 2015) He added, “there’s a problem within the company” (Berfield, 2015). Based on the numerous outbreaks around the country and the sheer quantity of customersaffected, the outbreaks of E.coli, salmonella and norovirus constituted a major crisis for Chipotle that could have been prevented had stricter food sanitation protocols been in place.
Ethics in Criminal Justice – ED 705.605.91
The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case... more Ethics in Criminal Justice – ED 705.605.91
The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case of The Counterfeit Counterfeit 20s, the issue faced is what to do with a Filipino national when he pays for his purchases at a mini-mart with a $20 bill that the clerk has allegedly found to be counterfeit. The man, Francis Juarez, was arrested for trying to pass and also for being in possession of counterfeit bills. After his arrest, the sheriff and deputy decided to contact the Secret Service and alert them of the man in their custody and of their possession of allegedly counterfeit money. The agent declines to prosecute the case and passes it back down to local officials. Subsequently, Mr. Juarez pleads guilty and serves nine months in jail and is deported. Later, the sheriff contacts the Secret Service who comes to get the bills at which time, they are found to be legitimate. Responses to Case Study 1.1 Using a philosophical basis for addressing this moral problem, I would assert that the moral issue here should rest on the consequences of the law enforcement officers on Mr. Juarez. While we learn that moral focus mas rest not only on the consequences of an act, but also the rules and motives behind the act, we must consider that the law enforcement officers in this case, did in fact act morally and were following the rules and motives of their job duties when arresting Mr. Juarez (Lecture 1). Additionally, considering the context, we must also consider the constitutionally applicable moral standards here, which in this case extend to moral issues involving laws, rights and justice. It is here, where I find that the most pressing moral issue resides. The case study is clear that Mr. Juarez was treated fairly and equitably until the adjudication of his case (Dreisbach, 2009). However, we are unable to assess any issues regarding morality beyond that. With that in mind, I find it necessary to focus my issues on the interaction between the sheriff and the duty agent. The duty agent did not act to his fullest capacity, as he did not request to inspect the allegedly counterfeit bills. He had a moral obligation to ensure that his request for involvement would serve the public's best interest and satisfy his obligations to protect and serve. Here is a case where he clearly failed to protect an individual by doing his due diligence to confirm the bills were counterfeit. In looking to identify two possible solutions to this problem, I think the most obvious one would have been to seek a third party to confirm the legitimacy of the bills in question. At no point in this case does it say that anyone tried to confirm the legitimacy of the bills and took the mini-mart clerk's assessment as true. Had either the sheriff or the duty agent acted on behalf of the government to confirm these bills, Mr. Juarez could have been released with speed. The second possible solution would have been for the duty agent to prosecute the case. His assumption that the case was simple created a situation where the burden fell on the local
Ethics in Criminal Justice – ED 705.605.91
The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case... more Ethics in Criminal Justice – ED 705.605.91
The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case of The Harassing Legislator, Fred Thornton, who represents a " morally conservative " district in his state is accused of sexually harassing younger female members of his staff. From comments about their appearance, to personal invitations to his house for dinner, Fred has been making inappropriate advances towards his staff that is unbecoming of his position. At the peak, one of the minor female pages that work for him relays some sexually explicit emails to her mother who then contacts the press who verify the story and call for Thornton's resignation. Thornton said he made " mistakes " and his advances were due to alcohol and as a result is now attending Alcoholics Anonymous. The issue here is that Thornton is morally obligated to represent the best interests of his constituents and is further bound by legislative laws of professional ethics. Beyond that, his sexual communication with a minor girl violates the law. His behaviors completely violate his professional code of ethics, work place anti-harassment laws and likely sexual misconduct with a minor. Lastly, the district he represents is " morally conservative " and respects " family values " , very likely meaning that this district has a high population of religious voters, who would find his behavior ungodly and adulterous. First, let us start with an analysis of how we can apply the theory of deontology to this case. Thornton, a United States legislator, is morally bound to do the right thing out of duty, duty to represent the constituents of his state. " It can never be one's duty to fail to do that duty (Dreisbach, 69.) " Since it can never be his duty to fail to do his duty, he has a moral obligation to make right what he has wronged. I like the application of deontology because we also know that " duty allows for advanced preparation (Dreisback, 69). " Thornton's response that he is an alcoholic does not relieve him of his duties or moral obligations as a legislator; rather, it makes him more responsible for his actions and intensifies the moral obligation. Knowing that he has an alcohol problem, his is morally obligated to put in place systems to ensure he will act morally and ethically at all times. With this analysis, one solution for Thornton would be to immediately resign his position and issue a public apology. He violated his duty to act professionally by making advances towards a minor and other staff. He is unfit for office and should resign his position immediately. Applying Aristotle's Virtue Theory is also an easy application for this case. Aristotle defines virtue as " the ability, habitually, to know the good and do the good (Lecture 6). " I think that the two of the discussed advantages are particularly applicable here: that virtue theory focuses on moral character over specific acts and the assumption of free will. While Thornton's behavior is clearly unethical and immoral, I think the fact that he is campaigning on family values and a marriage of thirty-five years while at the same time inviting women to his house for dinner, speaks more to his character and feeling that he may be above the law or above moral
In the case of When Fred Shot Barney, Fred believed that he had sufficient evidence to conclude t... more In the case of When Fred Shot Barney, Fred believed that he had sufficient evidence to conclude that his wife, Wilma, cheated on him with Barney. Fred subsequently decided to murder Barney. He followed Barney to a bus stop and while Barney had his back turned, shot him six times. After completion of Barney’s autopsy, the medical examiner concluded that Fred could not have murdered Barney, because Barney had suffered a massive heart attack and was likely dead before Fred took the first shot. This conclusion exonerated Fred from murder, leaving him with only having committed two crimes, desecration of a corpse and unlawfully firing a gun in city limits (Dreisbach, 2009). The moral problem in Case 2.1 is to determine whether or not Fred did something morally wrong.
Ethics in Criminal Justice – ED 705.605.91 The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case o... more Ethics in Criminal Justice – ED 705.605.91 The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case of Far From Home, several New York City police were attending a ceremony in a hotel outside of their jurisdiction in Washington D.C. After a rowdy night of drinking and partying, the officers began acting unprofessionally, specifically, taking off their clothes and using the escalator rails as a beer shoot. There were many complaints from the hotel staff and guests to the Metro Police Department. When contacted, the New York City officers expressed nonchalance and stated that they were not only off duty, but far from their home jurisdiction. The question here is did these officers act unprofessionally and immorally? To arrive at an answer, one must evaluate what obligations the officer's had and to whom at the time of the incident. Here, we can use Dreisbach's evaluation of professional obedience. From the brief summary, it appears that they broke no laws, other than possibly disorderly conduct. Although none of the officer's were arrested, I would point to the NYPD's Code of Conduct, particularly, their obligation to act with the highest regard to professionalism. Dreisbach writes, " the virtuous professional knows that good moral decision making depends on a proper balance of concern for consequences, rules and duties (Dreisbach, 2009, p. 205). " I believe that in our assessment of a possible solution, we can look to see if these officers' behavior exhibited " concern for consequences, rules and duties. " I assert that their behavior exhibited no regard for their obligations to their ethical and moral obligations as a law enforcement officer and further exhibited no regard to the consequences of their actions. We can only assume that the NYPD has a rule or " special order " that obliges officers to follow certain procedure and abstain from unbecoming behavior while representing the NYPD on official, off-site and off-duty business (Dreisbach, 2009, p,211). In this case, the best resolution would be to refer them to discipline by the NYPD Board of Ethics to see if their behavior warrants punishment. A second possible solution would be to put them all on administrative leave. Due to the nature of their behavior and the numerous complaints and subsequent involvement of the Metro Police Department, we can assume that their behavior was unprofessional. I argue that their behavior did not reflect any concern for others nor a regard for the reputations of their fellow officers. While it may have been in their right to consume alcohol and have a good time, when these officer's began to cause a public nuisance, including pouring beer down an electric escalator and use it as a slide, they exhibited extremely poor judgment. These officers should be admonished for their behavior and written up for such behavior. In looking to Dreisbach, I would say that these officers also did not act according to " reason, intuitions, community norms or tradition (Dreisbach, 2009, p. 212). "
Ethics in Criminal Justice – ED 705.605.91 The Johns Hopkins University Summary In the Case 15.1,... more Ethics in Criminal Justice – ED 705.605.91 The Johns Hopkins University Summary In the Case 15.1, the reader is faced with a unique case study. Federal Agent William Elliott suspected Danny Kyllo, a resident of Florence, Oregon, of growing and distributing marijuana. Combing several sources of information as a foundation for probable cause, Elliott additionally used the technological assistance of a thermal imager to scan for unusually high infrared radiation from Kyllo's house that might point to the use of heat lamps and artificial growing assistance technology employed in commercial marijuana growing units. Based on the information collected from the thermal imager and later compared to other houses in the neighborhood, Agent Elliott concluded that there was a high output of energy and infrared waves coming from the roof over Kyllo's garage as well as a side wall of his residence. Agent Elliott took all of his collected information and petitioned a federal magistrate to issue him a search warrant. It was issued and Kyllo's home was raided. The search yielded its anticipated results and over one hundred marijuana plants were founded. Subsequently, Kyllo was arrested for his violation of the federal statue that prohibits the manufacturing of marijuana. Later, Kyllo petitioned to have his arrest disregarded and argued that the use of thermal imaging technology was an unreasonable invasion of his privacy and a violation of his rights provide by the Forth Amendment to the US Constitution. The local district court rejected his motion, whereby Kyllo further appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, who also rejected his appeal. However, after appealing to the Supreme Court, his conviction was overturned. Justice Scalia wrote for the majority and asserted that a " naked-eye " surveillance of a public place would not have constituted a search in the constitutional sense, however, the use of technological assistance such as the thermal imager and other advanced surveillance devices " would leave the homeowner at the mercy of advancing technology–including imaging technology that could discern all human activity in the home. " The Justice insightfully summarized the weight this case would have on individuals' rights to privacy, due process, and search and seizures, opining that while this case only concerned use of a crude version of thermal imaging technology, there are many more advanced devices used for data collection and surveillance that could potentially fall under this ruling now and in the future (Dreisbach, 2009, p302-3). Taking a consequentialist view, the moral problem in this case rests on whether or not the federal agent's actions caused undue harm to Kyllo during the surveillance of his property with the intent of making a drug related arrest. There are two reasonable solutions to this case. The first solution would be to discipline and retrain the federal agent and the second would be to vacate and compensate Kyllo for the unjust proceedings that took place as a result of the unconstitutional search and seizure of his property.
The Quest for Enlightenment
Iraq has strong democratic political institutions that, coupled with Iraq's electoral system, are... more Iraq has strong democratic political institutions that, coupled with Iraq's electoral system, are responsible for the recent stalemate in Iraq's government that occurred after the March 2010 elections. Many steps have been taken to completely redefine the political institutions and electoral system after the fall of the Saddam regime. According to Robert Dahl, there are six criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to support the democratic institutions: elected officials, free and fair elections, freedom of expression, alternative sources of information, associational autonomy, and inclusive citizenship (Dahl:1998, Democratic 9).While Iraq is making progress, it even with these intuitions in place. The stigma left from the previous authoritarian regime has ill prepared the people of Iraq in a new democratic system that the people have yet to fully embrace and freely participate.
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Academic Papers by Chandler Lewis
It may also be helpful to offer a context in which this analysis is provided, especially considering that there is quite a large spectrum of approaches and strategies provided to address issues of patient choice, as well as a number of different perceptions and factors that might relate to the accommodation of patient requests. However, necessary considerations across all domains must still include the social, ethical, and legal considerations that must be taken into account as organizations develop effective patient bias policies while still being cognizant of traditional challenges and barriers to implementation.
The American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics provides some guidance for physicians and clinicians facing RDM by patients in Opinion 1.2.2, which states:
1) The relationship between patients and physicians is based on trust and should serve to promote patients’ well-being while respecting their dignity and rights.
2) Disrespectful or derogatory language or conduct on the part of either physicians or patients can undermine trust and compromise the integrity of the patient-physician relationship. It can make members of targeted groups reluctant to seek care and create an environment that strains relationships among patients, physicians, and the health care team.
The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case of The Counterfeit Counterfeit 20s, the issue faced is what to do with a Filipino national when he pays for his purchases at a mini-mart with a $20 bill that the clerk has allegedly found to be counterfeit. The man, Francis Juarez, was arrested for trying to pass and also for being in possession of counterfeit bills. After his arrest, the sheriff and deputy decided to contact the Secret Service and alert them of the man in their custody and of their possession of allegedly counterfeit money. The agent declines to prosecute the case and passes it back down to local officials. Subsequently, Mr. Juarez pleads guilty and serves nine months in jail and is deported. Later, the sheriff contacts the Secret Service who comes to get the bills at which time, they are found to be legitimate. Responses to Case Study 1.1 Using a philosophical basis for addressing this moral problem, I would assert that the moral issue here should rest on the consequences of the law enforcement officers on Mr. Juarez. While we learn that moral focus mas rest not only on the consequences of an act, but also the rules and motives behind the act, we must consider that the law enforcement officers in this case, did in fact act morally and were following the rules and motives of their job duties when arresting Mr. Juarez (Lecture 1). Additionally, considering the context, we must also consider the constitutionally applicable moral standards here, which in this case extend to moral issues involving laws, rights and justice. It is here, where I find that the most pressing moral issue resides. The case study is clear that Mr. Juarez was treated fairly and equitably until the adjudication of his case (Dreisbach, 2009). However, we are unable to assess any issues regarding morality beyond that. With that in mind, I find it necessary to focus my issues on the interaction between the sheriff and the duty agent. The duty agent did not act to his fullest capacity, as he did not request to inspect the allegedly counterfeit bills. He had a moral obligation to ensure that his request for involvement would serve the public's best interest and satisfy his obligations to protect and serve. Here is a case where he clearly failed to protect an individual by doing his due diligence to confirm the bills were counterfeit. In looking to identify two possible solutions to this problem, I think the most obvious one would have been to seek a third party to confirm the legitimacy of the bills in question. At no point in this case does it say that anyone tried to confirm the legitimacy of the bills and took the mini-mart clerk's assessment as true. Had either the sheriff or the duty agent acted on behalf of the government to confirm these bills, Mr. Juarez could have been released with speed. The second possible solution would have been for the duty agent to prosecute the case. His assumption that the case was simple created a situation where the burden fell on the local
The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case of The Harassing Legislator, Fred Thornton, who represents a " morally conservative " district in his state is accused of sexually harassing younger female members of his staff. From comments about their appearance, to personal invitations to his house for dinner, Fred has been making inappropriate advances towards his staff that is unbecoming of his position. At the peak, one of the minor female pages that work for him relays some sexually explicit emails to her mother who then contacts the press who verify the story and call for Thornton's resignation. Thornton said he made " mistakes " and his advances were due to alcohol and as a result is now attending Alcoholics Anonymous. The issue here is that Thornton is morally obligated to represent the best interests of his constituents and is further bound by legislative laws of professional ethics. Beyond that, his sexual communication with a minor girl violates the law. His behaviors completely violate his professional code of ethics, work place anti-harassment laws and likely sexual misconduct with a minor. Lastly, the district he represents is " morally conservative " and respects " family values " , very likely meaning that this district has a high population of religious voters, who would find his behavior ungodly and adulterous. First, let us start with an analysis of how we can apply the theory of deontology to this case. Thornton, a United States legislator, is morally bound to do the right thing out of duty, duty to represent the constituents of his state. " It can never be one's duty to fail to do that duty (Dreisbach, 69.) " Since it can never be his duty to fail to do his duty, he has a moral obligation to make right what he has wronged. I like the application of deontology because we also know that " duty allows for advanced preparation (Dreisback, 69). " Thornton's response that he is an alcoholic does not relieve him of his duties or moral obligations as a legislator; rather, it makes him more responsible for his actions and intensifies the moral obligation. Knowing that he has an alcohol problem, his is morally obligated to put in place systems to ensure he will act morally and ethically at all times. With this analysis, one solution for Thornton would be to immediately resign his position and issue a public apology. He violated his duty to act professionally by making advances towards a minor and other staff. He is unfit for office and should resign his position immediately. Applying Aristotle's Virtue Theory is also an easy application for this case. Aristotle defines virtue as " the ability, habitually, to know the good and do the good (Lecture 6). " I think that the two of the discussed advantages are particularly applicable here: that virtue theory focuses on moral character over specific acts and the assumption of free will. While Thornton's behavior is clearly unethical and immoral, I think the fact that he is campaigning on family values and a marriage of thirty-five years while at the same time inviting women to his house for dinner, speaks more to his character and feeling that he may be above the law or above moral
Summary
In the case of Far From Home, several New York City police were attending a ceremony in a hotel outside of their jurisdiction in Washington D.C. After a rowdy night of drinking and partying, the officers began acting unprofessionally, specifically, taking off their clothes and using the escalator rails as a beer shoot. There were many complaints from the hotel staff and guests to the Metro Police Department. When contacted, the New York City officers expressed nonchalance and stated that they were not only off duty, but far from their home jurisdiction. The question here is did these officers act unprofessionally and immorally? To arrive at an answer, one must evaluate what obligations the officer's had and to whom at the time of the incident. Here, we can use Dreisbach's evaluation of professional obedience. From the brief summary, it appears that they broke no laws, other than possibly disorderly conduct. Although none of the officer's were arrested, I would point to the NYPD's Code of Conduct, particularly, their obligation to act with the highest regard to professionalism. Dreisbach writes, " the virtuous professional knows that good moral decision making depends on a proper balance of concern for consequences, rules and duties (Dreisbach, 2009, p. 205). " I believe that in our assessment of a possible solution, we can look to see if these officers' behavior exhibited " concern for consequences, rules and duties. " I assert that their behavior exhibited no regard for their obligations to their ethical and moral obligations as a law enforcement officer and further exhibited no regard to the consequences of their actions. We can only assume that the NYPD has a rule or " special order " that obliges officers to follow certain procedure and abstain from unbecoming behavior while representing the NYPD on official, off-site and off-duty business (Dreisbach, 2009, p,211). In this case, the best resolution would be to refer them to discipline by the NYPD Board of Ethics to see if their behavior warrants punishment. A second possible solution would be to put them all on administrative leave. Due to the nature of their behavior and the numerous complaints and subsequent involvement of the Metro Police Department, we can assume that their behavior was unprofessional. I argue that their behavior did not reflect any concern for others nor a regard for the reputations of their fellow officers. While it may have been in their right to consume alcohol and have a good time, when these officer's began to cause a public nuisance, including pouring beer down an electric escalator and use it as a slide, they exhibited extremely poor judgment. These officers should be admonished for their behavior and written up for such behavior. In looking to Dreisbach, I would say that these officers also did not act according to " reason, intuitions, community norms or tradition (Dreisbach, 2009, p. 212). "
It may also be helpful to offer a context in which this analysis is provided, especially considering that there is quite a large spectrum of approaches and strategies provided to address issues of patient choice, as well as a number of different perceptions and factors that might relate to the accommodation of patient requests. However, necessary considerations across all domains must still include the social, ethical, and legal considerations that must be taken into account as organizations develop effective patient bias policies while still being cognizant of traditional challenges and barriers to implementation.
The American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics provides some guidance for physicians and clinicians facing RDM by patients in Opinion 1.2.2, which states:
1) The relationship between patients and physicians is based on trust and should serve to promote patients’ well-being while respecting their dignity and rights.
2) Disrespectful or derogatory language or conduct on the part of either physicians or patients can undermine trust and compromise the integrity of the patient-physician relationship. It can make members of targeted groups reluctant to seek care and create an environment that strains relationships among patients, physicians, and the health care team.
The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case of The Counterfeit Counterfeit 20s, the issue faced is what to do with a Filipino national when he pays for his purchases at a mini-mart with a $20 bill that the clerk has allegedly found to be counterfeit. The man, Francis Juarez, was arrested for trying to pass and also for being in possession of counterfeit bills. After his arrest, the sheriff and deputy decided to contact the Secret Service and alert them of the man in their custody and of their possession of allegedly counterfeit money. The agent declines to prosecute the case and passes it back down to local officials. Subsequently, Mr. Juarez pleads guilty and serves nine months in jail and is deported. Later, the sheriff contacts the Secret Service who comes to get the bills at which time, they are found to be legitimate. Responses to Case Study 1.1 Using a philosophical basis for addressing this moral problem, I would assert that the moral issue here should rest on the consequences of the law enforcement officers on Mr. Juarez. While we learn that moral focus mas rest not only on the consequences of an act, but also the rules and motives behind the act, we must consider that the law enforcement officers in this case, did in fact act morally and were following the rules and motives of their job duties when arresting Mr. Juarez (Lecture 1). Additionally, considering the context, we must also consider the constitutionally applicable moral standards here, which in this case extend to moral issues involving laws, rights and justice. It is here, where I find that the most pressing moral issue resides. The case study is clear that Mr. Juarez was treated fairly and equitably until the adjudication of his case (Dreisbach, 2009). However, we are unable to assess any issues regarding morality beyond that. With that in mind, I find it necessary to focus my issues on the interaction between the sheriff and the duty agent. The duty agent did not act to his fullest capacity, as he did not request to inspect the allegedly counterfeit bills. He had a moral obligation to ensure that his request for involvement would serve the public's best interest and satisfy his obligations to protect and serve. Here is a case where he clearly failed to protect an individual by doing his due diligence to confirm the bills were counterfeit. In looking to identify two possible solutions to this problem, I think the most obvious one would have been to seek a third party to confirm the legitimacy of the bills in question. At no point in this case does it say that anyone tried to confirm the legitimacy of the bills and took the mini-mart clerk's assessment as true. Had either the sheriff or the duty agent acted on behalf of the government to confirm these bills, Mr. Juarez could have been released with speed. The second possible solution would have been for the duty agent to prosecute the case. His assumption that the case was simple created a situation where the burden fell on the local
The Johns Hopkins University
Summary
In the case of The Harassing Legislator, Fred Thornton, who represents a " morally conservative " district in his state is accused of sexually harassing younger female members of his staff. From comments about their appearance, to personal invitations to his house for dinner, Fred has been making inappropriate advances towards his staff that is unbecoming of his position. At the peak, one of the minor female pages that work for him relays some sexually explicit emails to her mother who then contacts the press who verify the story and call for Thornton's resignation. Thornton said he made " mistakes " and his advances were due to alcohol and as a result is now attending Alcoholics Anonymous. The issue here is that Thornton is morally obligated to represent the best interests of his constituents and is further bound by legislative laws of professional ethics. Beyond that, his sexual communication with a minor girl violates the law. His behaviors completely violate his professional code of ethics, work place anti-harassment laws and likely sexual misconduct with a minor. Lastly, the district he represents is " morally conservative " and respects " family values " , very likely meaning that this district has a high population of religious voters, who would find his behavior ungodly and adulterous. First, let us start with an analysis of how we can apply the theory of deontology to this case. Thornton, a United States legislator, is morally bound to do the right thing out of duty, duty to represent the constituents of his state. " It can never be one's duty to fail to do that duty (Dreisbach, 69.) " Since it can never be his duty to fail to do his duty, he has a moral obligation to make right what he has wronged. I like the application of deontology because we also know that " duty allows for advanced preparation (Dreisback, 69). " Thornton's response that he is an alcoholic does not relieve him of his duties or moral obligations as a legislator; rather, it makes him more responsible for his actions and intensifies the moral obligation. Knowing that he has an alcohol problem, his is morally obligated to put in place systems to ensure he will act morally and ethically at all times. With this analysis, one solution for Thornton would be to immediately resign his position and issue a public apology. He violated his duty to act professionally by making advances towards a minor and other staff. He is unfit for office and should resign his position immediately. Applying Aristotle's Virtue Theory is also an easy application for this case. Aristotle defines virtue as " the ability, habitually, to know the good and do the good (Lecture 6). " I think that the two of the discussed advantages are particularly applicable here: that virtue theory focuses on moral character over specific acts and the assumption of free will. While Thornton's behavior is clearly unethical and immoral, I think the fact that he is campaigning on family values and a marriage of thirty-five years while at the same time inviting women to his house for dinner, speaks more to his character and feeling that he may be above the law or above moral
Summary
In the case of Far From Home, several New York City police were attending a ceremony in a hotel outside of their jurisdiction in Washington D.C. After a rowdy night of drinking and partying, the officers began acting unprofessionally, specifically, taking off their clothes and using the escalator rails as a beer shoot. There were many complaints from the hotel staff and guests to the Metro Police Department. When contacted, the New York City officers expressed nonchalance and stated that they were not only off duty, but far from their home jurisdiction. The question here is did these officers act unprofessionally and immorally? To arrive at an answer, one must evaluate what obligations the officer's had and to whom at the time of the incident. Here, we can use Dreisbach's evaluation of professional obedience. From the brief summary, it appears that they broke no laws, other than possibly disorderly conduct. Although none of the officer's were arrested, I would point to the NYPD's Code of Conduct, particularly, their obligation to act with the highest regard to professionalism. Dreisbach writes, " the virtuous professional knows that good moral decision making depends on a proper balance of concern for consequences, rules and duties (Dreisbach, 2009, p. 205). " I believe that in our assessment of a possible solution, we can look to see if these officers' behavior exhibited " concern for consequences, rules and duties. " I assert that their behavior exhibited no regard for their obligations to their ethical and moral obligations as a law enforcement officer and further exhibited no regard to the consequences of their actions. We can only assume that the NYPD has a rule or " special order " that obliges officers to follow certain procedure and abstain from unbecoming behavior while representing the NYPD on official, off-site and off-duty business (Dreisbach, 2009, p,211). In this case, the best resolution would be to refer them to discipline by the NYPD Board of Ethics to see if their behavior warrants punishment. A second possible solution would be to put them all on administrative leave. Due to the nature of their behavior and the numerous complaints and subsequent involvement of the Metro Police Department, we can assume that their behavior was unprofessional. I argue that their behavior did not reflect any concern for others nor a regard for the reputations of their fellow officers. While it may have been in their right to consume alcohol and have a good time, when these officer's began to cause a public nuisance, including pouring beer down an electric escalator and use it as a slide, they exhibited extremely poor judgment. These officers should be admonished for their behavior and written up for such behavior. In looking to Dreisbach, I would say that these officers also did not act according to " reason, intuitions, community norms or tradition (Dreisbach, 2009, p. 212). "
It may also be helpful to offer a context in which this analysis is provided, especially considering that there is quite a large spectrum of approaches and strategies provided to address issues of patient choice, as well as a number of different perceptions and factors that might relate to the accommodation of patient requests. However, necessary considerations across all domains must still include the social, ethical, and legal considerations that must be taken into account as organizations develop effective patient bias policies while still being cognizant of traditional challenges and barriers to implementation.
The American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics provides some guidance for physicians and clinicians facing RDM by patients in Opinion 1.2.2, which states: The relationship between patients and physicians is based on trust and should serve to promote patients’ well-being while respecting their dignity and rights.
Disrespectful or derogatory language or conduct on the part of either physicians or patients can undermine trust and compromise the integrity of the patient-physician relationship. It can make members of targeted groups reluctant to seek care and create an environment that strains relationships among patients, physicians, and the health care team.