Ethical Theory Application: Amin Sthapit Murder Trial and Roy Tabalbag

This paper provides an in-depth ethical analysis of the Roy Tabalbag murder trial, where the accused was charged with manslaughter after killing his girlfriend's lover. The paper applies four key ethical theories: Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Theory, and Contract Theory. Utilitarianism is explored in the context of Tabalbag's emotional state and the perceived utility of his actions. Deontology is used to assess the morality of Tabalbag's actions based on rules and duties. Virtue Theory examines Tabalbag's character and how his virtues influenced his actions. Finally, Contract Theory is used to evaluate the societal rules and consequences related to the crime. The paper concludes by emphasizing the complexity of applying these theories and the changing nature of motivations in ethical decision-making, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the ethical dimensions of the case.

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Amin Sthapit murder trial
Amin Sthapit murder trial: accused Roy Tabalbag 'provoked' into killing girlfriend Geecy Rebucas's
lover
Assignment 3: Applying Ethical Theory
Your name
Student Number
Word Count: 1250

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Amin Sthapit murder trial
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Utilitarianism Theory.......................................................................................................................3
Deontology Theory..........................................................................................................................4
Virtue Theory...................................................................................................................................4
Contract theory................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................5
References........................................................................................................................................6
Introduction
This paper gives emphasis on one of the Biggest ICT ethical issues. In this paper, the
detailed insight is given on the case which reveals the unethical sides of it by considering the
ethical theories. According to the case, it is seen that Roy Abanales Tabalbag found Amin

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Sthapit having sex with his girlfriend. It is evaluated in this case that Roy Abanales Tabalbag
handed over himself to the police and is guilty: not to murder but to manslaughter. Also, the
council of defence stated that Roy was provoked when he saw his girlfriend having sex with the
other person. In this paper, there are various theories that will be used like Utilitarianism,
Deontology, Virtue, and Contract theories.
Utilitarianism Theory
If the action enhances the utility then it is best as stated by this theory. The creator of the
theory is "Jermy Bentham" and he elaborated that utility is a combination of the feeling which
takes place by focusing on the actions. By emphasizing on utility it can be evaluated that it is
concerned with the well-being of the sentient entities (Al-Saggaf, Burmeister & Schwartz, 2017).
Ego is linked with Utilitarianism but it is a part of consequentialism. Equality is also one of the
factors. It can be evaluated that this theory is a part of consequentialism which finds out the
actions related to the right and wrong level of standards (Yazdani & Murad, 2015).
This case states that the actions are taken into consideration for their utilities. Geecy
Rebucas was seen with his lover and they are having sex. The accused felt disappointed and also
he was very angry at that moment. The relationship of individuals does not survive for long if
unethical actions are done. Also, it gives negative impact on the lives of the one individual
(Shestack, 2017). By anger, if a person takes any instant action or responds to a situation in an
aggressive manner then it can give negative impact on the relationship as well as on each other.
If an individual kills any person then it is a crime or an unethical action but if these
actions are taken to safeguard or to secure themselves then is known as an action related to a
feeling of pleasure. In this case study, the accused felt guilty of manslaughter but not for the
murder. It is seen that when Tabalbag killed the person he had no control on the anger and the
action. The overall outcome of the anger increased by seeing his girlfriend having sex with the
other person. Utilitarianism theory is considered by Tabalbag which is not unethical. The
assistance through this theory is given to the work program which helps to create a good work
program so that betterment in the society can be increased in a proper way.

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Amin Sthapit murder trial
Deontology Theory
This is one of the theories which is helpful to judge the morality of a person by focusing
on the actions. It focuses on the overall rules and regulations which are determined for a certain
reason or an act (Bannister & Connolly, 2014). While judging the act of a person there are
various ethics that are considered as it is seen that there are various rules. The rules are related to
a specific duty. Also, it can be analysed that the obligations which are moral in terms, can take
place from many sources like on the basis of internal and external. There are values concerned
with a person and also rules related to a universe (Peters, 2015).
According to the case study, the girlfriend lover is killed by the accused. This act is
unethical and is a crime under the specific law. When an individual is indulging in a crime then
they are liable for the punishment and penalties. One of the major unethical issues, according to
the deontology theory, is killing a person. The defender of Tabalbag told that the murder which
was executed was just because of not having self-control. The incident happened because the
person is not able to control the anger but it is seen that this practice is not permissible if
deontology theory is considered.
Virtue Theory
In this theory, the focus is made on the virtue of mind which brings a difference in a
person. The theory of virtue is concerned with the thinking power. This theory is concerned with
the character traits and also it is the results of the overall habits of a person. In this case, the
expression of the people is considered which is dependent on the theory (Dion, 2012).
The case study tells that accused has a good behaviour with the other people. Ethics and
values differ from person to person which reflects on achieving the positive outcome in the
society (Broad, 2014). This case specifies the expression of the accused in which he is
disappointed with the action taken by girlfriend. He was sad and moreover, the act done by the
girl was unethical. This could have been avoided if she could have thought before. The reason
for the murder is the unjustified action taken by his girlfriend. There was lack of self-control and
the action that took place was the result of the feelings (Waymack, 2016).

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Contract theory
To survive in the society it is important to follow certain rules and regulations so that
people can live in a coherent and peaceful environment. If the people of the society do not abide
by the rules and regulations then the effect will be negative and they have to face the
consequences. They will be liable for punishment because a wrong action has been executed.
Punishment is given to a person because he is indulged in a wrong action (Lucas, Van Wee &
Maat, 2016). Contract theory has many theories which are concerned with the rules of the society
so that they can live happily and peacefully. The main emphasis is on considering the theories so
that positive outcome can be achieved in an effective manner. This theory also states that people
who are living in the society come together by considering proper rules. If rules are considered in
proper manner then it is easy to maintain effective relations between the people. It is essential for
an individual to collaborate with each other so that operations can take place in a proper direction
and also the activities of the business can be conducted smoothly (Winkler & Duminy, 2016).
It is important for every person to join hands and come together so that a peaceful and
sustainable environment can be nourished. The rules are same for the individual so that equality
can be maintained. By considering this case it can be evaluated that indulging in the act of
murder is not ethically right but to safeguard themselves is permissible act.
Conclusion
So, in this case, the actions are explained by considering the ethical theories. All these
theories are not valid in the entire situation. As it can be evaluated that factor of motivation
changes from time to time and situation to situation. The actions should emphasize the overall
judgment by considering the ethical theories. In this paper, there are various theories that will
assist the researcher to focus on the best action in the case. The theories are implemented by
focusing on the overall case and by considering the accused, his girlfriend and her lover.
References

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Lucas, K., Van Wee, B., & Maat, K. (2016). A method to evaluate equitable accessibility:
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490.
Peters, R. S. (2015). Psychology and Ethical Development (Routledge Revivals): A Collection of
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Yazdani, N., & Murad, H. S. (2015). Toward an ethical theory of organizing. Journal of
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