UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP STANDARDS AND ETHICAL PRACTICES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Through a review of contemporary criminal justice literature the present study provides a concise analysis of standards expected of good leaders and the ethical practices associated with quality leadership. It notes that like criminal behavior, theories such as biological, learning, and developmental theories have been propounded to understand moral and ethical behavior. One of the findings of the study is that ethical practices on the part of leaders are crucial in any criminal justice organization to ensure the healthy growth of such organization. Furthermore, it is the position of the study that unethical practices can erode the confidence given by the society to the officials of the criminal justice. The study concludes by noting that leadership in every organization, especially criminal justice, should adopt leadership practices that motivate and encourage employees to strive for ethical performance in their duties and functions.