NCJ Number
128196
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1991) Pages: 165-182
Date Published
1991
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The LeDain Commission, established in Canada in the early 1970's to conduct an in-depth study of issues related to the non-medical use of drugs, identified three theoretical viewpoints with regard to the civil rights of drug users.
Abstract
The first minority report demanded a liberal policy toward drug use, claiming the State's role was only as guardian of the public order. Another minority report advocated a more repressive stance, requiring the State to enforce social morality. The majority position called for a paternalistic approach combining punishment and treatment. The author maintains that Canadian drug laws since the Commission report have become more repressive and violate drug users' civil rights. The article examines this abuse in terms of specific aspects of drug intervention including detection programs, school and workplace investigations, compulsory treatment programs, and prevention programs. Five significant groups in Europe and North America have formed for the purpose of changing the legal climate with regard to drug use in order to end these civil rights violations. 2 notes and 38 references (Author abstract modified)