Abstract
This paper argues in favor of the decriminalization of marijuana, citing it as a good idea inasmuch as such a measure will eliminate costly and ineffective laws. Additionally, the paper notes that legalized marijuana will allow for a more judicious allocation of funds, will undermine the black market, and will not precipitate the increased consumption of the narcotic by young people. The paper also states that there is simply no merit to the argument that marijuana is a gate-way drug to harder substances.

From the Paper
"All though some disagree, the decriminalization of Marijuana is a good idea inasmuch as such a measure will eliminate costly and ineffective laws, will allow for a more judicious allocation of funds, will undermine the black market, and will not (if the Netherlands is any example) precipitate the increased consumption of the narcotic by young people. As well, there is simply no merit to the argument that marijuana is a gate-way drug to harder substances. The following paper will elaborate on these points while simultaneously advancing (and rebutting) the criticisms of those who wish to see marijuana remain illegal."

Tags:decriminalization, marijuana, america

Abstract
The paper maintains that marijuana laws are costly and ineffective and its decriminalization will allow for a more judicious allocation of funds. The paper argues that decriminalization will undermine the black market and will not precipitate the increased consumption of the narcotic by young people. The paper concludes that the positives of decriminalization certainly outweigh the negatives.

From the Paper
"To begin with, the marijuana laws in America are costly to enforce and inefficacious. For instance, a July 2005 report revealed that federal spending devoted to enforcing criminal sanctions against marijuana use runs to around $4 billion each year - and yet fails to make any perceptible impact upon the country's perception of, or use of, marijuana. What makes the matter more problematic is the fact that the federal government spends more on enforcing marijuana prohibition than it does on policy formulation or on treatment programs (Hemp Information, para.1). Suffice it to say, any laws which are costly and which have little impact upon a perceived problem should be dramatically altered in their scope and application - or struck down entirely."

Tags:drugs, laws, black, market, gateway, substance, abuse

Abstract
The paper claims that the decriminalization of prostitution involves a great deal of variables that can not only improve public health, but also stave off a misogynistic set of legal loopholes that place women outside of the law. The paper contends that abuse, murder, and sexual aggression are more easily affected under the current deregulation for a trade that is only growing more and more every year. The paper explains that in this manner, decriminalization seeks to help provide women the right or the legal identity to be able to do as they wish with their bodies.

Tags:law, prostitution, legal

Abstract
This paper discusses how the decriminalization of prostitution in Toronto may be advantageous for sex workers. It states that although women are supposedly equal in Canada, somehow thousands of Canadian women still end up in sex work - a line of work in which they are at risk of violence, diseases and death. The paper argues that laws meant to protect society actually victimize people who are already at the bottom rung of society - marginalized, poor women - as well as a smaller group of male and transsexual prostitutes, and even some children. Law enforcers and the public frequently launch campaigns aimed at removing sex workers altogether - such as closing brothels and massage parlors. This does not remove sex workers - it merely makes them less safe. The paper concludes that protecting the rights of sex workers and decriminalizing prostitution will help to protect their safety and welfare.

From the Paper
"The lives of sex workers are fraught with risks and threats. For example, by the very nature of their work, they are at risk of contracting a range of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, which is usually terminal. One might argue that sex workers should protect themselves by practicing safe sex. However, the reality is that these people are in a very disempowered position in society, and consequently, they are very often not in a position to insist on safe sex practices. A key part of their disempowerment is that they have little recourse to the law. In other words, if they are forced to have unsafe sex, they do not feel safe in laying a charge with the police. This is because their line of work is circumscribed by laws that aim to end prostitution, and therefore they do not feel safe phoning the police. Thus, one of the key reasons why the legal system pertaining to sex work should be changed is that this would facilitate equal rights to police protection for sex workers - who desperately need such protection."

Tags:sex workers, crime legal legalization prostitute prejudice victimization violence

Abstract
The paper reveals that the decriminalization of drug abuse has not been so successful in other countries. Most Canadians favouring de-criminalization refer to cannabis or their own drug preferences, unaware of thousands of persons trapped in heroin and especially crack cocaine abuse and related criminality. Having laws against drug trafficking helps medical professionals to help the addict who wants to change his or her life, perhaps believing an addiction cannot be overcome. The paper provides comments on harm reduction, the need to help the addict and the ethics of keeping some drug laws in place towards this end.

From the Paper
"Western countries have seen rising addiction to illegal drugs, related crime and overall harm to the public (Allen, 2005). This paper examines the issue of drug decriminalization, noting a number of arguments for and against, indicating that decriminalization is not a solution to the drug addiction problem. In addition to textual research, time was taken to visit two Toronto areas noted for addicts and related criminal activities. This allowed for observation of people whose entire lives are centred on drug abuse as helped to see defects in the arguments of those who recommend decriminalization."

Tags:drugs, legal, crac

Abstract
This paper will discuss the nature of the legalization of drugs, and the possibilities of decriminalization that have been brought before our nations courts. By understanding what the arguments are for both sides, we can argue for a more balanced approach to the issue of legalization and what this means. In essence, we can rely on creating an argument for drugs to be a good medical source that could be legally created, and also would help to lower levels of criminals that are imprisoned for this offense. By realizing the sides of the argument, we can see how drugs can be brought into the system on a legal basis that would be responsibly used.

Abstract
This paper examines how the American public has the choice to continue standing in opposition to reality and trivialize the risks sex workers face or to recognize that, regardless of its reputation or acceptance, it is a viable employment option for a number of people and deserves, at a minimum, protection under the law just as any other profession. It looks at how decriminalization could be the first step in creating a dialogue in understanding what prostitution truthfully entails and why it continues to persevere throughout the ages despite moral and social condemnation.

From the Paper
"Traditional means of handling prostitution in the U.S. demonstrate a preference for lengthening punishments and the use of strong-arm tactics. Prostitution did not receive recognition as a major social concern until after the Civil War when an abolitionist group sought to draw attention to this issue by launching a "propaganda battle," which is considered "largely responsible for the characterization of the prostitute as the "fallen woman" recruited by "vice lords" through an extensive white slave traffic" (Jennings 1239). The group's efforts led to the implementation of the Federal White Slave Act in 1910, which marked the closing of most legitimate brothels and outlawed pandering and soliciting in a majority of the states (Jennings 1239)."

Tags:feminism, hooker, sex, trade, woman, women

Abstract
This paper talks about how it would be beneficial for the Canadian government, as well as the Canadian citizens, if marijuana is legalized or decriminalized. The paper covers issues such as the government's biased opinion towards marijuana, how the amount of people in jail for marijuana use are tying up the legal system as well as legal system funds and how legalization would reduce the amount of drug rings in Canada. The paper also discusses the Marijuana Party of Canada and many of their major points (platforms).

From the Paper
"Weed, pot, trees, grass, ganja, Mary Jane, reefer, chronic, and bud are all slang terms. Slang terms for a drug commonly called marijuana, scientifically referred to as cannabis. This drug has been gaining prominence in the media lately and with good reason simply because it is such a controversial topic with many differing viewpoints. A number of politicians began to question Canada's marijuana laws after Canadian athlete, Ross Rebagliati, temporarily lost his gold medal in Olympic snowboarding when tests revealed the presence of a small amount of marijuana in his body. Indeed, many Canadian citizens were outraged when the International Olympic Committee stripped Rebagliati of his medal simply because he tested positive for the drug (Gage, 2001). After all, some argued, marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug, so his use of it could not have led to his winning the gold."

Tags:ganja, weed, Liberal, Party, Mounted, Police, cannabis

Abstract
This paper underscores that victimless crimes should be decriminalized when all adult parties are consenting and when decriminalization would lead to better social and economic outcomes. Next, the author analyzes the victimless crimes of drugs, pornography and prostitution, which appear to only harm the people engaging in these acts and not the larger society. The paper concludes that decriminalization is possible at both the state and federal level; however, decriminalization occurs faster at the state level.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Defining Victimless crimes
Types of Victimless Crimes
Drugs
Pornography
Prostitution Laws
Opposition to the theory of Victimless Crime
Decriminalizing Victimless Crimes
Decriminalization at the State Level
Decriminalization at the Federal Level
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Most often there are two types of crimes associated with drugs; possession and possession with the intent to distribute. The former is usually associated with drug users while the latter is associated with drug dealers. Dealing drugs is not viewed as a victimless crime. Drug dealing does obvious injury to people and is the cause of a great deal of violence. On the other hand the possession of drugs is viewed as a victimless crime. Most people who are charged with drug possession are drug addicts. Because of possession laws, instead being sent to a rehab facility, those possessing drugs are often sent to jail. This is a major problem because of the issue of overcrowded prisons. This is such a significant problem in some areas of the country that certain jurisdictions have made the possession of small quantities of marijuana legal. This process of decriminalization took place because the use of marijuana is so unexceptional that as a result of common consensus communities, through their legislators, have decided that charging people with possession is no longer feasible. Te decreased feasibility has to do with the cost involved as it relates to court and the incarceration of those who are charged with the crime."

Tags:consenting controls, collective value system, marijuana bureaucracy

Abstract
This paper argues that the current war on drugs has been an extremely costly failure for the U.S. According to the author, current anti-drug policy -- which includes the use and sale of controlled substances -- is simply impossible to enforce. The author looks at the cost of the war on drugs, both in terms of lives and dollars that could be saved from switching priorities. Then the paper debates medical statistics, citing that (currently) illegal drugs result in many fewer deaths each year than legal ones, such as alcohol and tobacco. Finally, the paper deconstructs the commonly held belief that marijuana is a gateway drug. The paper concludes with the author's recommendation that drug use be decriminalized.

From the Paper
"The United States has been engaged in a "war on drugs" since the mid-1970s. The reported 59 percent decrease in illegal drug use has been achieved at a cost of an increase of 12,000 percent in the enforcement budget between 1973 and 1993. Attorney General Janet Reno has quoted federal officials as saying that in order for the interdiction of drugs entering the country to be effective, a total of 75 percent would have to be achieved. Since the amount officials claim has been interdicted is only 25 percent, even law enforcement policy makers admit that a successful interdiction program would be cost prohibitive."

Tags:war, on, drugs, law, education, treatement, marijuana, economy, police, enforcement, agency