Legalization No Thank You!

Paper Summary:

The paper shows that a general feature of social topics is the manner in which they rise to public prominence, monopolize the headlines for a brief period, then quickly fade into the chapters of sociology textbooks. The debate over the legalization of drugs, however, is an issue that has provoked discussion and controversy for almost twenty years, and seems destined to continue for some time to come. By objective presentation of relevant research and expert opinion, this paper proposes that society's interests will be best served by opposing the legalization of narcotics in the United States.

From the Paper:

"Although the physically and psychologically harmful effects of narcotics are reason enough to reject calls for legalization, society would face more fundamental difficulties in the event of successful legalization. If marijuana, and other narcotics, become legal, it would probably do so within a similar legal framework to that which currently applies to tobacco and alcohol. This would lead to the perception, especially among children, that the use of drugs is "normal" behavior, just as drinking and smoking are presently viewed as acceptable. Also, in similar fashion to the present problems associated with alcohol and tobacco, legally underage youngsters would purchase and use drugs, not only damaging their physical and psychological development, but also exposing them to the risks of the more dangerous and addictive substances, and to the mercy of drug dealers ("Speaking Out', 1999)."

More papers on Legalization No Thank You!:

• Book Review # 112940 : "Langston Hughes' "Thank You, Ma'm"
• Essay # 84449 : "Thank You, M'am" "
• Poem Review # 138989 : "Ron Padgett's "You Never Know"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: