Summary: What Does It Means To Be A Police Officer Untruthfulness
Disclosing Officer Untruthfulness to the Defense
Catrina M. Bonus
CJUS 350- D01
Professor Herbert W. Duff
December 12, 2014
Introduction
What does it mean to be a police officer? To most, it means to perform their duties with integrity, nobility honor, courage, and morality. While a very large percentage of law enforcement officers act in such a way, there are a few that do not and which shines a bad light toward the entire profession. Sadly in today’s culture, the respect for law enforcement is extremely low which makes it a difficult for those in the profession to do their jobs. While some may argue the concerns are warranted because of the lack of honesty and the bad actions of a small few, a mutual trust needs to be established …show more content…
United States
In Giglio v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that the prosecution is required to share exculpatory evidence with the defense of the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses. This could include evidence that may even impeach or expose the witness’s misconduct. Since the prosecution is an officer of the court, it is their responsibility to ensure that all relevant information regarding the case is effectively communicated with all involved.
United States v. Agurs
The Supreme Court determined in United States v. Agurs that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to provide pertinent information regardless if the defense requests it. In this case, the prosecution failed to provide the victim’s criminal history involving guilty pleas for weapons charges, which violated due process.
Kyles v. Whitley
In the case of Kyles v. Whitley, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction and allowed for a new trial on the basis that the prosecution did not disclose evidence to the defense. The Court determined regardless if the prosecutor was aware of the evidence or not, it is their responsibility to ensure that all pertinent information is communication to the defense.
United States v. …show more content…
That is why it is so important that officers have a moral code and to know right from wrong. Each decision and choice we make should not only be because it is the honorable thing to do but also because in the end, we know that we will be held accountable for those choices. As Isaiah 55:8-9 says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”
Catrina M. Bonus
CJUS 350- D01
Professor Herbert W. Duff
December 12, 2014
Introduction
What does it mean to be a police officer? To most, it means to perform their duties with integrity, nobility honor, courage, and morality. While a very large percentage of law enforcement officers act in such a way, there are a few that do not and which shines a bad light toward the entire profession. Sadly in today’s culture, the respect for law enforcement is extremely low which makes it a difficult for those in the profession to do their jobs. While some may argue the concerns are warranted because of the lack of honesty and the bad actions of a small few, a mutual trust needs to be established …show more content…
United States
In Giglio v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that the prosecution is required to share exculpatory evidence with the defense of the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses. This could include evidence that may even impeach or expose the witness’s misconduct. Since the prosecution is an officer of the court, it is their responsibility to ensure that all relevant information regarding the case is effectively communicated with all involved.
United States v. Agurs
The Supreme Court determined in United States v. Agurs that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to provide pertinent information regardless if the defense requests it. In this case, the prosecution failed to provide the victim’s criminal history involving guilty pleas for weapons charges, which violated due process.
Kyles v. Whitley
In the case of Kyles v. Whitley, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction and allowed for a new trial on the basis that the prosecution did not disclose evidence to the defense. The Court determined regardless if the prosecutor was aware of the evidence or not, it is their responsibility to ensure that all pertinent information is communication to the defense.
United States v. …show more content…
That is why it is so important that officers have a moral code and to know right from wrong. Each decision and choice we make should not only be because it is the honorable thing to do but also because in the end, we know that we will be held accountable for those choices. As Isaiah 55:8-9 says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”