Debating the Legalization of Drugs (From Handbook of Drug Control in the United States, P 283-299, 1990, James A Inciardi, ed. -- See NCJ-126319)

• NCJ Number: 126334
• Author(s): J A Inciardi; D C McBride
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Greenwood Publishing Group
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The ongoing argument over the legalization of drugs might do well to consider the utilitarian ideals of John Stuart Mill and how they might apply to the war on drugs and drug policy in the United States.

Abstract

Supporters of legalization argue that the corruptions, violence, street crime, and disrespect for the law that have resulted from the drug laws are far worse evils than drugs themselves. They also argue that drug control legislation has failed to reduce demand and that it is impossible to prohibit something that a significant segment of the population is committed to doing. They also argue that legalizing drugs would produce many positive results. In contrast, opponents of legalization point out that proponents have never produced a specific proposal regarding which drugs would be legalized, where the drugs would be sold, whether age limits would exist, and whether advertising should be regulated. They also argue that drug legalization would drastically increase behavioral and public health problems. In addition, public opinion polls show strong opposition to drug legalization. 50 reference notes