SOCL 4471 Chapter : Decriminalization Of Drugs
Document Summary
The criminalization of drug use in the united states has led to many negative repercussions. America has become the leading industrialized nation in terms of incarcerated citizens per capita. Nearly 60% of the american prison population are drug related offenders. This has led to nearly 2 million children having at least one parent in prison. Studies have shown that children who grow up with an incarcerated parent are prone to behavioral, psychological, and financial troubles. Moreover, african american citizens are incarcerated at a disproportionately high rate, which has only furthered examples of social inequality, such as income and racial inequality. Many argue that the decriminalization of drug use would lead to a higher rate of drug consumption. However, studies conducted on the progress on nations such as the netherlands and portugal have submitted evidence to the contrary. It has been repeatedly shown that decriminalization does not increase drug consumption.
