Introducing the fundamentals of ethical theory, this text exposes the reader to the ways and means of making moral judgments by covering the teachings of the great philosophers, sources of criminal justice ethics and unethical patterns in the criminal justice system. It is presented from two perspectives: a thematic perspective that addresses ethical principles common to all components of the discipline, and an area-specific perspective that addresses the state of ethics in criminal justice in the fields of policing, corrections, and probation and parole.

The fourth edition features expanded discussion of the formula of ethical discretion to enhance students' understanding of ethics decision making in real-life situations, as well as a new chapter on the ethics of loyalty and loyalties in the workplace.

• "What you will learn from this chapter," key terms and definitions, and review questions included with each chapter.