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War on Drugs: Opposing Viewpoints

NCJ Number
153879
Editor(s)
N Bernards
Date Published
1990
Length
261 pages
Annotation
This book, based on magazines, journals, books, newspapers, and statements from a wide range of individuals and organizations, presents opposing viewpoints on the necessity, tactics, and effectiveness of the war on drugs.
Abstract
The first chapter discusses whether the war on drugs is necessary, whether it is effective, and whether it helps or harms American society. The second section considers civil liberties issues; the authors argue that the war on drugs and drug testing do or do not violate Americans' constitutional rights, and that strict drug law enforcement is or is not racist. Strategies advanced to reduce adolescent drug use include education, enforcement of school codes against drug use, improvement of self-esteem, parental involvement, and positive peer pressure. Six papers take opposing sides on the issues of whether the U.S. should be fighting international drug cartels, whether U.S. intervention effectively stops those cartels, and whether economic aid to Latin American countries could stop drug production. The final chapter recommends policies for winning the war on drugs; these include cutting the supply of drugs, cutting the demand for drugs, implementing tougher enforcement measures, using the military, and instituting the death penalty for drug-related offenses.