What is the first step in ethical decision-making as stated by the CDCR?

The first step in ethical decision-making, as indicated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, is to gather the facts. This initial phase is crucial because it involves collecting all relevant information that pertains to the situation at hand. By establishing a comprehensive understanding of the context, stakeholders, and the specifics of the issue, decision-makers can make informed choices.

Gathering the facts serves as the foundation for the subsequent steps in the decision-making process. It ensures that any conclusions or analyses are based on accurate and complete information, which ultimately supports making ethical and responsible decisions. Without this step, any exploration of consequences, outcomes, or monitoring the decision lacks a solid grounding, potentially leading to misguided or uninformed choices. Thus, focusing on gathering the facts provides a critical starting point for effective and ethical decision-making.