1
Research Paper: Annotated Outline Assignment
Rebecca Justice L33669709
CJUS 230
Criminal Justice Research and Writing
Professor Ryan Zuidema
February 17, 2024
2
The Minneapolis case involving the killing of George Floyd has brought to light not only
the constitutional implications of police misconduct but also the broader issues of police brutality
and systemic racism. This case has ignited a global movement for justice and accountability,
highlighting the urgent need for reform within law enforcement agencies. This paper aims to
explore the ethical expectations of law enforcement, and the importance of upholding
fundamental rights, promoting accountability, and working towards systemic change. Mr.
Floyd's death sparked outrage and ignited discussions on broader societal issues. The incident
reignited concerns about excessive force used by police, de-escalation tactics, training protocols,
and the lack of accountability for misconduct. These concerns go beyond legal violations and
point towards systemic problems within law enforcement culture and practices. Additionally, the
incident brought to light the issue of racial profiling, the strained relationship between
communities, and law enforcement, and the negative impact of systemic racism on people of
color within the criminal justice system. Addressing these broader issues requires not only legal
reforms but also broader societal changes to promote trust, understanding, and equality.
The agonizing video of a police officer kneeling on George Floyd's neck for nine
minutes, and 11 seconds while Floyd gasped for breath and begged for his life, ripped the veil off
a horrifying reality for many Black Americans. It wasn't just a single incident, but a chokehold
on justice itself. It forced us to confront the ethical abyss between the oath to protect and the
chilling act of suffocation. This wasn't just about one bad apple, but a rotten orchard of
3
accountability, where basic rights seemed to wither under the weight of a badge. After a trial
lasting almost five emotional weeks, a federal jury in St. Paul, Minnesota, reached a verdict that
echoed through hearts across the nation. Three former Minneapolis Police Department officers
were found guilty of federal civil rights offenses tied to the tragic passing of George Perry Floyd
Jr. on that fateful day, May 25, 2020. Each ex-officer was held accountable for neglecting Mr.
Floyd's fundamental right to be shielded from undue force at the hands of law enforcement.
Their willful inaction in halting former MPD Officer Derek Chauvin's excessive use of force
resulted in harm and the heartbreaking loss of Mr. Floyd. Thao, Kueng, and former Officer
Thomas Lane also failed in their duty to ensure Mr. Floyd's urgent medical needs were met while
witnessing him in distress during his detainment. Their deliberate negligence led to further harm
and ultimately his untimely departure. Both transgressions stood in violation of Title 18, U.S.
Code, Section 242.
Law enforcement are expected to uphold ethical standards and protect the rights and
well-being of individuals. Biblical principles of peacemaking and protecting fundamental rights
provide a moral compass for evaluating police conduct. For instance, in passages such as
Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God"
(Matt. 5:9). Into a world that is ugly with violence and hate, Jesus sends us as peacemakers.
which promotes peacemaking, and Micah 6:8, which emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility,
underscores the importance of ethical behavior in law enforcement.
Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a statement emphasizing the significance of
the verdict, asserting that George Floyd should be alive today. He stressed that law enforcement
officers have a constitutional duty to protect civil rights. This case sends a message that officers
4
should be held accountable for failing to uphold their ethical responsibilities, especially when
their inaction results in serious harm or death. (Thursday, February 24, 2022. Attorney
General Merrick B. Garland, Office of Public Affairs, US Department of
Justice).
To address police brutality and uphold fundamental rights, it is crucial to prioritize the
protection of individual liberties and rights. Law enforcement agencies must implement policies
and training that emphasize the preservation of life and the de-escalation of conflicts.
Additionally, establishing robust systems of accountability is essential to address police
misconduct effectively. This includes independent oversight, transparent investigations, and
consequences for officers found guilty of misconduct.
Making our communities safer requires looking at the big picture of law enforcement.
It's not just about punishing individual officers. We need to change the underlying rules, how
officers are trained, and the everyday culture of police departments. Teaching officers to
recognize unconscious biases: We all have biases, but officers need to be aware of them so they
can treat everyone fairly. We need to start investing in our communities: This means spending
more money on things like education, housing, and mental health services, which can help
prevent crime in the first place. Also, by talking openly about race and fairness, and changing
how police do their jobs, we can make our streets safer for everyone.
5
Upholding fundamental rights and promoting accountability are essential to a just and
equitable society. Safeguarding individual rights, such as those protected by the Constitution, is
crucial in ensuring that all members of society are treated fairly and with respect. This includes
protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures, excessive use of force, and other
violations of civil liberties. Accountability mechanisms, such as transparency, oversight, and
consequences for wrongdoing, are necessary to hold individuals and institutions responsible for
their actions and to prevent abuses of power. By upholding fundamental rights and promoting
accountability, we can work towards a more just and inclusive society where everyone is treated
equally under the law and has the opportunity to thrive.
Police brutality is a systemic issue rooted in a history of racism and bias that continues to
permeate law enforcement practices today. African Americans are disproportionately targeted
and mistreated by police, leading to higher rates of violence, incarceration, and death within their
communities. The lack of accountability for officers who engage in misconduct perpetuates a
culture of impunity and erodes trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
.
6
References
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-former-minneapolis-police-
officers-convicted-federal-civil-rights-violations-death
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study
7
