NCJ Number
138822
Journal
Milbank Quarterly Volume: 69 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 341-364
Date Published
1991
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The current debate over drug decriminalization is similar in almost every way to a debate that took place in the early 1960's and early 1970's; although decriminalization is unlikely soon, the discussion provides an opportunity to examine the premises underlying the massive expenditure of resources on repressive measures.
Abstract
In both the earlier challenges to the status quo and the current criticisms of the criminalization of drug abuse, critics have emphasized the counterproductive consequences of the prohibitionist view. They have exposed the profound imbalance between public expenditures for law enforcement designed to repress drug sales and use and the funds available for drug treatment. As a result, even some who reject the need for major change now recognize that current drug treatment efforts are grossly inadequate. The debate has also forced consideration of the rationality of a policy that mistakenly groups relatively less damaging drugs with more dangerous substances. Finally, it has underscored the enormous economic and human costs of current prohibitionist policies and has encouraged the search for alternatives such as needle exchange programs. Thus, the call for decriminalization has revitalized the public debate over drug policy and has made possible a serious examination of the appropriate role of the government in regulating the behavior of adults as well as its obligation to promote the conditions necessary for civic life and to provide care for the most vulnerable and even the most socially despised. 56 references