The Legalization of Drugs

by Doug Husak, Peter de Marneffe

Overview

The use or possession of many drugs is currently a criminal offense in the U.S. Can these criminal laws be justified? What are the best reasons to punish or not to punish drug users? These are the fundamental issues debated in this book by two prominent philosophers of law. Douglas Husak argues in favor of drug decriminalization, by clarifying the meaning of crucial terms, such as legalize, decriminalize, and drugs. Peter de Marneffe argues against drug legalization, demonstrating why drug prohibition, especially the prohibition of heroin, is necessary to protect youth from self-destructive drug use.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521546867
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/12/2005
Series:	For and Against
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	222
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.59(d)

Table of Contents

Part I. Husak: 1. The meaning of drug decriminalization; 2. How should we evaluate alternative drug policies?; 3. Reasons to criminalize drug use; 4. Reasons to decriminalize; 5. Drug legalization; Part II. de Marneffe: 6. An argument for drug prohibition; 7. Drug prohibition and liberalism; 8. Alcohol and other drugs; 9. Epistemic concerns.