Hierarchy, Virtue, and the Practice of Public Administration: A Perspective for Normative Ethics

Abstract

A military police officer is instructed by a commander not to issue citations to senior officers for driving while intoxicated. Also, certain specified junior officers and noncommissioned officers whose services and support are needed are to be similarly exempted. However, citations are to be issued strictly to all other personnel and maximum punishment is to be sought. When the officer objects to this order on the grounds of its illegality and unfairness, he is threatened with a poor proficiency rating and removal from his position.