NCJ Number
100737
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study guide for the ''Crime File' videotape on drinking and crime reviews the extent of alcohol consumption in the United States, alcohol-related crimes, the alcohol-crime relationship, and proposals for reducing alcohol consumption.
Abstract
Alcoholic beverage consumption is part of American culture. Since World War II, the proportion of Americans drinking alcoholic beverages has dramatically increased, and consequently more are abusing alcohol. The most obvious crimes in which alcohol consumption plays a role are drunk driving, public drunkenness, violent crime, and intrafamily crime. Although a direct causal link between alcohol consumption and criminal behavior is difficult to establish, empirical evidence indicates that alcohol deadens inhibitions and distorts judgment. The Model Penal Code (and the many State criminal codes patterned after it) hold that voluntary intoxication is admissible to rebut criminal intent or knowledge but not recklessness. Proposals to reduce alcoholic beverage consumption include raising the minimum drinking age, eliminating alcohol advertising from television, banning ''happy hours,' and requiring bars to close early. 8 references.