Decriminalization of Drugs

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the viewpoint of proponents of the war on drugs and goes on to refute their claims. The paper reveals that by legalizing drugs and treating addicts as patients instead of criminals, we would greatly reduce the rampant overpopulation in our prison systems and remove the illegal drug trade that provides enormous wealth and incentive for criminals. The paper asserts that we cannot help those who do not want to be helped and cannot practically reduce the supply of drugs coming into the country. The paper strongly contends that the global war on drugs cannot be won.

From the Paper:

"For years the American public has been told to just say no: to blindly pursue a war on vice with no thought of the consequences. Despite growing evidence that supports the contrary, many people today cannot imagine the decriminalization of any illegal drug, let alone all of them. Most people think that with decriminalization comes the acceptance of drug use, which is untrue. On the contrary, decriminalization would entail a great deal of regulation to discourage abuse. Yet, research has demonstrated that the legalization of all drugs is the only policy that makes sense."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Caulkins, Jonathan P., et al. Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Throwing Away the Key Or the Taxpayer's Money? New York: Rand Corp. 2003: 117.
• Hitchens, Christopher. "Legalize It." Foreign Policy May-June 2007: 41-42.
• Muse, Toby. "Legalization Now!" Reason. 37.2 (2005): 32-38.
• Nadelmann, Ethan. "Drugs." Foreign Policy Sept.-Oct. 2007: 24-30.
• Silverberg, David. "Arresting the Drug Laws." The Progressive 69.8 (2005): 33-33.

More papers on Decriminalization of Drugs:

• Argumentative Essay # 66692 : "The Case for Decriminalization of Drugs"
• Research Paper # 7155 : "The Decriminalization of Drugs in America"
• Essay # 84951 : "Legalization of Drugs"

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