Legalization of Drugs

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the topic of drug legalization that is a heatedly contested debate. The paper discusses how those in favor of the liegalization of illicit drugs feel that drug laws have not significantly reduced the demand for drugs, but have only served to make the drug problem worse. They show how the illegal status of drugs has encouraged corruption among law enforcement and politicians. The paper also brings the arguments of those opposed to legalizing drugs who argue that it would cause increased drug use and crimes and would be a drain on the American economy.

Outline:
Introduction
Pros of Illicit Drug Legalization
Cons of Illicit Drug Legalization

From the Paper:

"Proponents of drug legalization most often begin their debate with the statement that America's drug laws, as they currently stand, are ineffective. Programs such as "Just Say No" and "Zero Tolerance" have been unsuccessful (Linn, Yager & Leake). America, although fighting tenaciously, is losing the War on Drugs, and in fact, current drug policies have actually made the problem worse. A drug free America is simply unrealistic (Eldredge & McCollum). For this reason, they surmise that changes need to be made, and the legalization of the drugs being fought against currently, is one such advocated change, accentuated with the premise that in a truly free society, the government should not be able to regulate what drugs a person can or cannot take (Levinson; Messerli)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abrams, J. "Report: Teen Use of Pot Will Jump with Legalization - Move to Harder Drugs Follows, Group Says." Seattle Times 13 Jul, 1999: A5. ProQuest. ProQuest. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. December 5, 2006 <http://proquest.umi.com>.
• "An Unethical Reason for Legalizing Drugs." Business Week (3678) 24 Apr. 2000: 6. Academic OneFile. Thomson Gale. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. December 5, 2006 <http://find.galegroup.com>.
• Burden, K. "What's the Fuss About Legalizing Drugs? Many People Advocating a "Harm Reduction" Approach to Illegal Drugs are Well-Meaning but Misguided." Presbyterian Record 70(10) Nov. 1996: 10-11. Academic OneFile. Thomson Gale. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. December 5, 2006 <http://find.galegroup.com>.
• Eldredge, D. & McCollum, B. "Would Legalizing Drugs Serve America's National Interest?" Insight on the News 14(34) 14 Sept. 1998: 24-27. Academic OneFile. Thomson Gale. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. December 5, 2006 <http://find.galegroup.com>.
• Forbes, S. "Deadly Deceit." Forbes 160(5) 8 Sept. 1997: 27-28. Academic OneFile. Thomson Gale. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. December 5, 2006 <http://find.galegroup.com>.

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