The Code of Silence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Code of Silence - Essay Example In the legal setting, the code of silence is believed to be prevalent in the armed forces where data regarding operations and technological developments are kept secret for the sake of national security. It could also be found in the corporate setting especially in banks which can keep the anonymity of clients. The code of silence is usually either kept because of force or danger to oneself, or being branded as a traitor or an outcast within the unit or organization which particularly holds true in a police setting as studies would show. It was famously practiced in Massachusetts police departments in cities such as Charlestown, South Boston and Somerville. All over the world, there are many stories about police abuse of authority or police/military brutality and death of a criminal and most of these stories are linked with the code of silence.The code also exists among many organizations even those which are criminal in nature. A more famous example of the code of silence is Omerta which made the Mafia such an indiscrete and almost impenetrable organization. If we are to determine whether the appropriateness of the code, we will need to include a discussion on what constitutes the goodness or the wickedness of an act. However, venturing into this would be exhaustive and too wide a discussion.