NCJ Number
169263
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines support for legalizing drugs and argues that it is based on several faulty arguments.
Abstract
Proponents of legalization claim that it would result in reduced crime; in fact, legalization would lead to increased drug use, which in turn would lead to a rise in violent crime. In addition, advocates argue that legalization has been successful in European countries, but several European nations' attempts at drug legalization have failed and have been abandoned. The article examines eight statements which it describes as fiction and presents data in support of opposing views: (1) There has been no progress in the war on drugs; (2) Whether to use drugs and become hooked is an adult decision; (3) Legalization would be only for adults and legalized drugs would not be available to children; (4) Legalization would reduce crime and social problems; (5) The American experience with prohibition of alcohol supports drug legalization; (6) Greater availability and legal acceptability of drugs like marijuana, cocaine and heroin would not increase use; (7) Drug use is an issue of civil liberties; and (8) Legalization works well in European countries.