NCJ Number
132416
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 24-29
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Reasonable arguments for the legalization of illicit drugs are presented together with the persuasive rebuttals known to law enforcement officials.
Abstract
The legalization of illicit drugs promises no significant benefit, and the proponents of legalization fail to make a case for the freedom of individuals to choose illicit drugs regardless of the consequences. Proponents of legalization also argue the following: the law enforcement approach and the use of punitive and repressive measures lead to violence, corruption, and a significant increase in general crime; supply reduction policies have failed; drug prohibition laws cause crime; the money spent on law enforcement could be better spent on drug rehabilitation programs; legalization will not result in high drug use; and illicit drugs are not as dangerous as believed. Removing current sanctions would serve only to make the threat of intemperate drug use more pronounced. The need is for legislation to establish sanctions which meet the combined test of common sense and the constitutions of the United States and Canada.