NCJ Number
127484
Journal
Human Rights Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1990) Pages: 14-17
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The issues of drug testing, drug legalization, and criminal law protections are discussed by some of the leading drug warriors, their critics, and experts in the middle with the emphasis on an assessment of any threat to our liberties in the name of policing the drug war.
Abstract
Eric Sterling, a critic of current policies, believes that fear of drugs generates political support for extraordinary measures. He is concerned that, due to the overload in the court system, there is a pressure to plea bargain and that defendants do not get the necessary procedural protections. Forfeiture to seize drug defendant assets prior to indictment is discussed as to the pros and cons of strengthening its use to a greater level. The ABA policy on forfeiture, adopted in 1985, is presented along with quotes from the report accompanying the policy. Loren Seigel, a lawyer who supervises the national ACLU's public education program on drugs and civil liberties, feels that martial law has been declared in the inner cities, with particular emphasis on "women of color." Legalization of drugs is discussed by several notables, and the ABA policy on drug use is presented. Karl Besteman, executive director of the Alcohol and Drug Problems Association, feels that law enforcement is being overemphasized in place of treatment programs. ABA recommends more education for attorneys and judges on drug and alcohol issues. As seen in the discussion, when addressing the various issues of the drug war and its impact on society, no two individuals will come up with the same solution to the problem.