Research paper draft

WAR ON DRUGS 1

WAR ON DRUGS

Irving Toruno

Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice

Florida International University

11/01/2020

Introduction to War on Drugs

Problem Statement

The war on drugs was initiated under the leadership of President Richard Nixon, with the primary and ultimate goal being to eradicate the consumption and trade in illegal drugs through federal policy. Proponents of drug abuse have argued that medications have been reduced since the war's conceptualization and introduction to drugs. However, most illegal drugs have been reducing the market price, indicating increasing supply in the market (Coyne & Hall, 2017). Otherwise, the war on drugs has resulted in significant societal problems as the exacerbation of human rights and democratic institutions' violation. The war has led to racial prejudice and the development of strong drug cartels, which have grown strong to counter the force of the war on drugs from the government. The economic expense of the war on drugs is immense, both on managing the federal prison spaces and in the war on drugs is bigger than the benefits gained (Lynch, 2012). The root cause is majorly on the tactics and policies developed and the bias present in the implementation team (Lynch, 2012).

The policies include the prohibition of drugs without proper analysis of the implications. Illegal drugs have no quality control mechanisms, and the effect on human health is not regulated. As such, the impact of illicit drugs on public health increases, increasing the government's health bill (Cooper, 2015). Additionally, the prohibition of drugs by this delineation results in increased deaths. Policies of legal consequences to persons involved in consumption or trade of illegal drugs include augmented enforcement actions and harsh sentences. The impact of these consequences is, however impartial, and directed to people of color. This has resulted in a higher number of people of color in prisons and correctional facilities and discriminatory enforcement of people of color policies (Cooper, 2015). Premised on this, there is a high need for change in the procedures governing the war on drugs.

Topic of Investigation

The American war on drugs has continued for many years now and has led to creating policies that are meant to aid the government in its war against drugs. The policies instilled in the war on drugs have, however, resulted in negative impacts on society. Massive evidence has been collected to prove these impacts on society (Beckham & Murphy, 2013). This research aims to integrate evidence on what policies have had positive effects in society, which policies have not, and the war's overall success against drugs since its inception. The research results will be beneficial to both the government, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the as a source of awareness to society. The human rights agencies can utilize the report in enforcing change on the impacts of the war on drugs.

Roadmap of the Paper

The paper will address the evolution of the war on drugs. The aspects considered include the impact on public health, racial disparities, economic impact, and international relations. The considerations will be both on the direct effects and the indirect effect of the set policies. The penal change involved in the war on drugs will be detailed and critiqued. As a result of the war on drugs, the political conflict between the United States and other countries will be assessed in the paper. The human rights efforts to regulate the war on drugs in the country will be discussed, on ethical and legal grounds—the possible alternatives to regulating illegal drugs in the country. Conclusively, the paper will make recommendations on the policies that can be scrapped or enacted as a measure for regulation on the consumption and trades in drugs and the implications of the efforts on society.

References:

Becker, G. S., & Murphy, K. M. (2013). Have we lost the war on drugs?. Wall Street Journal, 4. Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b367d3ea2772c73017ac3fb/t/5c26278b8a922dfcc63bbb15/1546004363676/Have_We_Lost_the_War_on_Drugs.pdf

Coyne, C. J., & Hall, A. R. (2017). Four Decades and Counting the Continued Failure of the War on Drugs

Grayson, K. (2003). Discourse, identity, and the US:‘war on drugs’. Critical reflections on transnational organized crime, money laundering and corruption. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, 145-170.

Lynch, M. (2012). Theorizing the role of the ‘war on drugs’ in US punishment. Theoretical Criminology, 16(2), 175-199. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1362480612441700