Introduction
This paper discusses examples of immoral laws or laws that a majority of people have supported, but which one might argue should not have been applied by ethical police officers. The focus is on higher moral principles, such as equality, autonomy, and bodily autonomy. The examples provided include segregation, anti-sodomy, and anti-abortion laws. This essay argues that ethical police officers have a duty to refuse to enforce such laws and instead use their position to bring about change and promote justice. It highlights the importance of civil disobedience in bringing about social change.
Examples of Immoral Laws
One example of an immoral law supported by the majority is the segregation laws. These laws, which were in effect in the United States for much of the 20th century, mandated racial segregation in public spaces, including schools, buses, and restaurants (Gau & Paoline, 2019). While these laws had majority support at the time, they were clearly in violation of the higher moral principle of equality; thus, ethical police officers should not have enforced them.
The now-abolished anti-sodomy laws, which criminalized consensual same-sex activity in many nations until recently, serve as a strong example of legal systems contradicting higher moral standards (Gau & Paoline, 2019). However, these laws were popular when in effect, they clearly violated the moral principle of autonomy. Therefore, police officers acting ethically should have refrained from enforcing them.
A more recent example is the anti-abortion laws that were passed in some states in the U.S. in 2019, which ban or limit access to abortions (Gau & Paoline, 2019). While most people support these laws, they violate the higher moral principle of bodily integrity and should not have been enforced by ethical police officers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethical police officers must recognize their duty to refuse to enforce any law they deem immoral. This action, known as civil disobedience, has historically been a tool for driving social change. By opposing unjust laws, ethical law enforcement professionals play a part in building a more just and equitable society.
Reference
Gau, J. M., & Paoline, E. A. (2019). Police officers’ self-assessed legitimacy: A theoretical extension and empirical test. Justice Quarterly, 38(2), 276–300. Web.