Abstract This paper explains that the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, which created a differentiation of sentencing for powder versus crack cocaine offenses, has had a very negative impact on African-American offenders. The paper points out that the current problem is the perceived 'right' of the judge presiding over crack offense case sentencing to depart from mandatory minimum sentencing for these offenses. The paper also points out that this policy is shockingly perverse under the governing Constitution and its Bill of Rights. The paper then concludes with four policy recommendations to correct this situation.
Table of Contents:
Historical Background of the Policy
Current Problem
Description of Policy
Policy Analysis
Policy Recommendations
Policy Recommendation One
Policy Recommendation Two
Policy Recommendation Three
Policy Recommendation Four
From the Paper "These are often the same lawmakers who are handsomely rewarded by public sector groups such as correctional officers' unions and other law enforcement groups, who also profit from criminalization and mass imprisonment. Less directly, the privatization of prisons contributes to and buoys the overall "culture" of law enforcement and criminal justice, one that levels our common sense understanding of the causes of our social problems and puts as their solution responses of violence, force and containment."
Abstract This paper evaluates several issues that may affect sentencing disparities for abusing crack as opposed to powder cocaine. Among these issues examined is race and its impact on sentencing. Gender issues are also considered, as are the pre-natal effects of these drugs. The writer clarifies the difference between crack and powder cocaine and how this may also influence sentencing.
Outline:
Sentencing Disparities Cocaine and 'Crack Babies'
Past Research
Moral and Legal Issues
Development
Bibliography
From the Paper "There are more African-American individuals on death row than white individuals and most of these individuals awaiting execution have committed drug crimes, many of which involved crack, and less that involved powder cocaine (Pope, 1976). Even the Attorney General of the United States is willing to admit that drug laws are the main reason that there are so many African-Americans on death row today and that African-Americans are arrested at a higher rate for these types of crimes than Caucasian individuals (Pope, 1976). While this may seem irrelevant to a discussion of crack vs. powder cocaine specifically, the issue of minority status is actually somewhat important in sentencing guidelines for all crimes, although it is not an issue that judges are legally allowed to use."
Abstract Over the past thirty years, rather than improving, it is clear to see that the regional disparities, economic and otherwise, have been getting worse. Looking to census data over the circa 1966-96 period, we can see that Eastern Canada, in particular, has fared very poorly. This paper will bring this evidence to light, and argue that, not only have regional inequalities been exacerbated in the past 30 years, but that they will continue to get worse as globalization intensifies.
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of wage disparity across Canada, which has long been a concern not only of the general population but also of the various federal government administrations throughout the years, as well as the provincial governments. The paper explains that a genuine concern of government bodies and researchers alike is that of ensuring not necessarily wage parity across professions, but of ensuring livable wages across all demographics. The paper maintains that discussing and properly framing the wage disparity issues for Canadians is important because the consequences of not addressing this issue are enormous and, ultimately, far more costly to ignore than to repair.
A look at the health disparities found in diabetes and obesity based on socio-economic status among African Americans and what can be done to address those disparities.
Abstract The correlation between diabetes and obesity has been long established in recent years. There are strong genetic component and environmental factors that contribute to high prevalence rates of diabetes. The changes in one's lifestyle, sedentary mode of living, poor eating habits and socioeconomic status are significant contributors to the development of diabetes mellitus. Currently, in the U.S. the rate of diabetes is staggering among all age groups, sexes, and ethnic populations. The paper studies the correlation between socioeconomic status, diabetes and obesity and how diabetes in the above mentioned statement as well as other economic and social factors is related.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What is Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity
History of Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity in America
Factors Created Due to Diabetes
How is Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity Linked?
Proposed Solutions to Combat Disparities Solutions: Health Literacy Program and Creating Satellites
Conclusion
From the Paper "" In the United States there has been a concurrent increase in the incidence of diabetes and obesity among all age groups and races. This increase has been especially prominent in the African American population, where a large percentage of diabetes cases and complications develop due to lack of access or provision of healthcare. This disparity is also evident in other races, but African Americans possess the genetic tendency to develop diabetes in greater proportions. Obesity patterns have also exponentially increased in this population in the recent years. Therefore, obesity a prime factor in the development of diabetes, has resulted in a elevated increase in the percentage of diabetes cases in the African American population (Department of Health and Human Services, 2003)."
Abstract There are significant employment disparities between African-Americans and whites in America. This phenomenon is rooted in the racial inequality in society at large. Educational opportunity, and the denial of it to African-Americans, lies at the center of this reality.
Abstract The paper evaluates the importance of health disparities in children from various racial and ethnic groups, who often do not obtain adequate access to healthcare on a regular basis. It is important to note that government intervention, additional resources and community support are likely to encourage the removal of these barriers over time.
From the Paper "In today's world, many children do not regularly obtain the medical care that is necessary to promote health and well being and this is often attributed to many disparities amongst racial and ethnic groups. As a result of these problems, many children do not obtain prevention and wellness procedures that will encourage a healthy childhood. When poverty is introduced into the home environment, children always suffer in more ways than one and this reflects poorly on their psychological well being over time. There are a number of critical arguments that profess the lack of support for healthcare promotion in various racial and ethnic groups and the influence on a child's psychological profile is often alarming."
Abstract This paper compares statistics from the United States and Canada in terms of income disparity and age, showing how the elderly earn less and may be retired so that they are dependent on pensions and government payments to live,. The paper analyzes how the retirement system in Canada is better shaped to maintain a level for the elderly than is the Social Security system in the United States.
From the Paper "Income inequality has been examined from a number of perspectives, noting the wide disparity between the income of the richest and the poorest, between people in different jobs, between genders, between different racial groups, and on the basis of age. Many such inequalities are evidence of unfair distribution, while that for age suggests certain characteristics of working life as the cause. An examination of the age disparities in the United States and Canada show why this is so and also suggest some differences between the two countries. Income disparities exist within age groups and have more to do with unfair distribution caused by such other factors as race and gender, along with expected differences on the basis of education."
The paper discusses the drug problems of the people of the Caribbean and the drug trafficking that goes on there. It also deals with the dangers that drug trafficking causes to other countries and their people.
3,650 words (approx. 14.6 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 101.95
Abstract This paper is about the drug trafficking problems of the Caribbean. The author examines the Caribbean region as a long standing area where illegal substances have been grown and sold. The people are poverty stricken and sell drugs as a means to make money. The author looks into the Caribbean's climate and location which make it an ideal place to grow and sell drugs. The people are able to transport drugs to other countries through the use of planes, boats, etc. The paper goes on to discuss how this poses as a threat to all countries because it makes drugs available which leads to drug problems for their citizens.
From the paper:
"The Caribbean is known for its agriculturally equipped weather conditions, which makes for most islands to be very fertile. Many farmers in the Caribbean grow drugs as part of their produce to earn more money. They can then sell the illegal substances to islanders, tourists, and then ship the rest off to be sold to other countries? citizens. This poses as a threat to the health of all people who are able to buy drugs as a result of drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It also poses a threat to governments because they have to use their funding on programs to educate citizens about the dangers of drugs as well as rehabilitate those citizens that are addicted to drugs and suffer from drug abuse."
This paper explores drug prohibition in America. It is written from a point of view that supports the legalization of drugs. Political, constitutional and financial affects on American government are discussed.
3,087 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 11 sources, 2001, $ 90.95
Abstract This paper examines the repercussions of drug prohibition. This paper is written from a point of view that supports the legalization of drugs. It explores the history of America's ?War on Drugs? from a political and financial standpoint. Crime, civil liberties, foreign countries economies and medical uses for illegal drugs are discussed. Many of the statistics that are studied in this paper are taken from the DEA's web site and proven to be invalid through outside sources. This paper looks at where the government funding for drug prohibition goes; it also looks at drug prices, crime rates and statistics pertaining to the inmate population of drug offenders.
From the Paper "Every year America's drug policies are debated in Washington. These drug policies are never debated seriously, the only aspect our elected representatives focus on is how much more money should America spend battling drugs. Outside of Washington there is a growing unease about the war on drugs. Many Americans are concluding that the drug war has been given a fair chance to work and has failed. America's war on drugs is an unsuccessful battle, and it's time for a governmental reform."
Abstract This paper describes the need for fighting drug use in America. It details the facts on different drugs, illegal drug use. It also details drug addiction and the effects it has on people. The paper studies the three basic categories of health risk of Drug Abuse: simple side effects, overdose, and the ability to react correctly to danger. It describes the efforts America has made to render drugs illegal. It discusses the comparison of drugs to alcohol and the necessity of rendering all drugs illegal.
From the Paper "The South is no longer trying to secede. The Germans aren?t going to bomb us; the Great Depression has been relieved; the "Japs" have been bombed; and the communist scare is over. Cuba is just an island nation now, and only threatens us with prepubescent refugees. However, no nation can keep its citizens happy for long without some kind of external threat -- something to explain the high taxes and low public services. So it is that at the dawn of the new millennium, America finds itself facing one of the greatest dangers known to mankind: mind altering drugs. To protect itself, the nation is waging an expensive, high-profile, and full-out war on drugs. "
Tags:Drugs, America, Addiction, DEA, legal, illegal, Abuse, health
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that the ongoing war on drugs has not succeeded and that drug use should be prevented rather than made illegal. This paper also examines the argument that drug use will dramatically decrease if all illegal substances are legalized. This paper also discusses how school programs educating students on the risks of substance abuse has had a dramatic impact on teenage drug use.
Topics covered in this paper include:
The War On Drugs The Drug Business
Alcohol and Drugs The Effect of Drug Education
Drugs and Jail
Addiction
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Because drugs are illegal, their cost is astronomical, providing enormous profits to those engaged in the business of importing, exporting and selling drugs. There is no question that legalization of drugs would put an immediate stop to this rich source of economic gain. Legal drugs could be sold at a reasonable price to those who choose to use them, and the illegal drug community would not be able to compete."
Abstract The paper discusses how an employer might be considered an enabler of employee drug use through his or her attitude toward drugs. The paper explains how this could be a refusal to take action when drug use is suspected, or his or her neglect at establishing drugs policies within the workplace. In reference to attitude, the paper notes that if the employer is known to have a personal acceptance of a drug culture, it may have a profound affect on the freedom that employees feel they have in using drugs. By announcing his or her agreement with a drug culture, the employer is suggesting that employees have the support of the workplace in any drug activity.
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
Abstract The paper discusses the history of Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar and his drug cartel and then examines the influence of both on the war on drugs. The paper explores drug cartels of Latin America.
From the Paper "The term "war on drugs" has become commonplace in American society and for many college-age Americans it is difficult to remember a time when there was not a war on drugs. Today drug arrests and drug-related offenses account for many of the prosecutions that are undertaken in our justice system and many of those who are incarcerated are in prison for drug-related crimes."