Introduction
The criminal justice system has two primary components: the prosecution side and the defense side. While some are responsible for representing their clients, others must be careful and ensure that only guilty people are convicted. Thus, while both sides face immense challenges, the defending side has to deal with more ethical issues, such as defending those guilty, as seen in the O.J. Simpson case.
Prosecution
The prosecution side has numerous tasks and duties that present employees in this field with many ethical challenges. The prosecutor protects the public interest and must act honorably and with proper judgment to promote public safety. The prosecution should strive to convict the guilty while safeguarding the innocent, consider the needs of those affected by the crime, and respect the constitutional and legal rights of everyone (American Bar Association, n.d.b). One of the significant issues the side faces involves using plea bargains. While this significantly speeds up the process, it can also increase the risk of convicting an innocent person who may feel pressured.
Defense
Similarly, defense attorneys must perform the challenging dual roles of court employees and devoted, ardent advocates for their clients. Defense attorneys’ primary responsibilities include acting as their clients’ advisers and representing them with strength and dedication, ensuring their clients’ constitutional and other legal entitlements are protected (American Bar Association, n.d.a). Meanwhile, what makes the duties of defense counsels more ethically complicated is that these individuals are obligated to serve as justice administrators and court agents. One case representing such ethical issues is the O.J. Simpson trial. While the prosecution had to deal with evidence that demonstrated the man’s innocence beyond a reasonable doubt, the defense was responsible for proving the guilt of the accused.
Conclusion
Hence, while both sides confront significant obstacles, the defending side must also contend with additional moral dilemmas, such as defending the guilty, as seen in the O.J. Simpson case. Employees on the prosecution side often encounter several ethical issues due to their responsibility to prosecute the guilty, rather than the innocent. Defense attorneys must also fulfill the challenging duties of court personnel and be committed, passionate advocates for the individuals they serve. The O.J. Simpson trial is one example that illustrates these ethical concerns.
References
American Bar Association. (n.d.a). Defense function. Web.
American Bar Association. (n.d.b). Prosecution function. Web.