NCJ Number
169260
Date Published
1998
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This chapter presents arguments against the legalization of drugs.
Abstract
Philosophical and pragmatic arguments used to support legalization of drugs are wrong. If made legally available, narcotics would be more widely abused and would lead to more drug-related violence and other social problems. The philosophic argument is that, in a free society, adults should be permitted to do whatever they please, provided they are prepared to take the consequences of their choices and that they cause no direct harm to others, However, the consumption of drugs reduces individuals' freedom by circumscribing their range of interests, impairing their ability to pursue more important human aims, such as raising a family and fulfilling civic obligations. It often impairs their ability to pursue gainful employment and promotes parasitism. The pragmatic argument in favor of legalizing drugs is based on the belief that the criminal activity surrounding distribution of drugs is caused by their prohibition. However, the idea behind crime, of getting richer quickly and without much effort, is unlikely to disappear once drugs are freely available. And it may be that officially sanctioning antisocial behavior breeds more antisocial behavior. Once the use of a stimulant becomes culturally acceptable and normal, it can easily become so general as to have devastating social effects.