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LEGALIZED NUMBERS IN WASHINGTON - IMPLICATIONS WITH RESPECT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND CONTROL BY THE COMMUNITY

NCJ Number
11116
Author(s)
ANON
Date Published
1973
Length
256 pages
Annotation
CITES ENFORCEMENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST BLACKS, PERSISTENCE OF GAMBLING BEHAVIOR, AND IMPOSSIBILITY OF EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENTS AS REASONS FOR LEGALIZING NUMBERS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Abstract
THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF LAWS PROSCRIBING THE OPERATION OF THE NUMBERS GAME IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IS CONSIDERED UNWORKABLE AND UNDESIREABLE BOTH FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDPOINT AND SOCIOECONOMIC EFFECTS. A GAME PATTERNED AFTER THE EXISTING ILLEGAL SYSTEM TO BE OPERATED BY A PUBLIC CORPORATION IS RECOMMENDED. IT IS PREDICTED THAT SUCH A LEGAL GAME WOULD MAKE SIGNIFICANT BITES INTO PROFITS FROM ILLEGAL NUMBERS USED IN LOAN SHARKING AND NARCOTICS. ARGUMENTS OPPOSING THE LEGALIZATION OF NUMBERS ARE CONSIDERED AND REFUTED. THE APPENDIXES INCLUDE STUDIES ON SELECTIVE DISCRIMINATORY ENFORCEMENT OF GAMBLING LAWS, POLICE ATTITUDES TOWARD GAMBLING AND PROSTITUTION IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND TESTIMONY FROM PUBLIC HEARINGS ON GAMBLING CONDUCTED BY THE WASHINGTON LAWYER'S COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW.