Ethical Appeal (Police Legitimacy) is also known as which rhetorical strategy?

• A. Ethos
• B. Logos
• C. Pathos
• D. Kairos

Answer: (A)

Ethical appeal focuses on the speaker’s character and trustworthiness. In policing, legitimacy comes from people believing officers are fair, honest, and acting with integrity, so they view authority as rightful and worthy of compliance. This credibility is built through demonstrated competence, transparency in procedures, accountability for actions, and respectful treatment of the public. Logos would rely on facts and reasoning, pathos on emotions, and kairos on timing; none of those center on the speaker’s character in the same way ethos does. So, ethical appeal is the best fit because it highlights why the audience should trust and accept police authority.