What would a "utilitarian" do?

Redemptive violence

1

You are a utilitarian politician tasked with reforms to the police force. One of the issues is whether or not policemen should carry guns. Guns allow police to protect law-abiding citizens from criminals, yet you know that there is a high chance that innocent people will get caught in the cross-fire. What would you do?

:0

Pro - protects the majority

Con - injustice and sacrifice of the innocent

2

Should we abstain from use of electric fence on farms and other places so animals won't get hurt from it?

;)

Pro - majority happiness

Con - do we count animals?

3

A person fights criminals with violence in a city with high crime but it makes others scared. Would a utilitarian say this is okay if crime goes down?

>:)

Pro - majority protection

Con - utilitarian sacrifice 

4

You live in a oppressive regime and serve as a bodyguard to the opposition leader, because you believe he can change the country. One day, you are approached by a representative of those in power and are given a choice — let your leader continue to cause upheaval that will soon result in a civil war, of which the outcome is uncertain, or kill him in his sleep and let the status quo of oppression continue. What would you do based on utilitarian principles?

:3

Pro - impartiality

Con - disregard for personal relationships, unpredictability of the future

Food dilemmas

1

Marcela: A country with a populace, that cannot go a day without eating meat, is thinking about banning meat to reduce animal suffering and protect the environment. How would a utilitarian decide if it is a good idea?

:)

Pro - more happiness 

Con - does equality apply to animals too?

2

What would you do if you found out the food bank you donate to distributes processed, unhealthy food, and donating healthier items would cost you more?

:D

Pro - more happiness for more people

3

What would you, as a utilitarian, do if you were offered exotic, endangered food while traveling with friends, and declining could upset them but accepting it would violate your principles?

:>

Pro - majority happiness

Con - disregard for self

4

What would you, as utilitarian, do if you were responsible for catering a family event, and choosing only ethical would blow the budget and disappoint attendees?

>_<

Pro - majority happiness

Con - disregard of personal relationships