Abstract
This paper argues that the U.S. should decriminalize prostitution.

Tags:decriminalize, prostitution

Abstract
The writer argues that prostitution between consenting adults should be decriminalized and regulated. The writer's main reasons for arguing for this are that it constitutes unfair victimization of already marginalized people, and also that this will reduce the risk of sex workers contracting HIV, which will reduce the risk of sex workers passing HIV on to their clients, and ultimately to the wives and unborn children of their clients.

From the Paper
"In this essay I will argue that prostitution between consenting adults should be decriminalized and regulated. My main reasons for arguing for this are that it constitutes unfair victimization of already marginalized people; and also that this will reduce the risk of sex workers contracting HIV. In turn, this will reduce the risk of sex workers passing HIV on to their clients, and ultimately to the wives and unborn children of their clients. It appears that existing policies regarding sex work are inappropriate and..."

Tags:prositution, legalize, regulate

Abstract
This is a brief glance into the United States' drug war. Its main thesis is that the U.S. drug policy has failed, especially in Latin America, and that a starting point would be the decriminalization of certain types of drug use. The large focus of the essay is on the use of marijuana and the policy changes that have evolved with such use. It argues that the case for decriminalization needs to be looked at again and a more sensible approach to laws and offenses must be taken.

From the Paper
"The United States hates to admit defeat in war, but the drug war is one conflict for which a peaceful settlement should be sought. Rooted in Puritanism and blinded by self-righteousness, it's time to open our eyes and see what we have created. Offered here is a brief glance at history to show that U. S. drug policy in Latin America has failed miserably and has in fact been the cause of massive devastation both there and at home. U.S. policy has backfired, working to increase, not decrease violence and illicit trade. It's time to surrender, call a truce, and negotiate an alternative to failed militaristic policy. Decriminalization seems the obvious start.

Let's begin with a few historical highlights. The cultivation of hemp was actually encouraged in the U.S. from 1600-1890. Hemp from which marijuana is derived was an important component in the production of rope and clothing. In Virginia in 1619 legislation was passed that required every farmer to grow hemp. Hemp considered legal tender in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland (Busted)."

Tags:drugs, marijuana, cocaine, Latin America, decriminalization, war on drugs, U.S. policy

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
This paper considers the arguments in favor of decriminalizing drugs.

From the Paper
"Drug laws vary around the world with the very definition of what constitutes a drug also varying. Most countries allow adults to consume alcohol, some have no prohibitions against minors consuming it. The United States criminalizes marijuana at the federal level, but coffee bars that offer marijuana to customers are common in Amsterdam. In addition, some states-including California-allow marijuana to be used for medicinal purposes, putting citizens who seek to do so in danger of federal prosecution. So-called harder drugs such as heroin or cocaine are..."

Tags:decriminalizing drugs, drugs, marijuana

Abstract
This paper looks at the reasons for decriminalization of marijuana, citing studies which show it would not increase use of the drug, and would not lead to the use of hard drugs. It also cites the attitutes of other countries around the world on possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

Tags:decriminalization

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
The paper analyzes the pros and cons of the marijuana decriminalization debate. The paper briefly examines both sides of the argument and concludes that there is compelling evidence arguing against the continued decriminalization of marijuana. Specifically, the paper looks at the resources which can be diverted to more important issues, and also at the way that decriminalizing marijuana could make the difficult tasks of police officers considerably easier. The paper concludes that that marijuana is less problematic than alcohol and over-the-counter drugs and that decriminalization would be beneficial.

From the Paper
"There can be little question that marijuana use has polarized the American in ways that would have been unanticipated even a few years ago. Not least of all, there is a battle ongoing between those who feel the decriminalization of marijuana is simply a step forward and one more means of allocating police resources more efficiently, and those who feel that rampant marijuana use - and certainly its decriminalization - is one more instance of America's moral decay. The following paper will review the arguments against marijuana decriminalization and the arguments in favor of marijuana decriminalization. As should become apparent, there are a number of compelling and trenchant arguments against continuing the prohibition against a drug that causes far less havoc each and every year than do alcohol and/or over-the-counter prescription drugs. With that in mind, it is to a discussion of this thorny issue that this paper now turns."

Tags:marijuana, use, law

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
This paper examines the decriminalization of drugs as an avenue to halt the drug problem so prevalent in the United States. Alcohol is brought out as a possible comparison to the drug situation America is facing and how the decriminalization of alcohol did not spell the end of America.