The benefits of decriminalization
editDecriminalization legislature produces externalities whose inherent benefit can be abstract. The potential general benefit can vary across political, economic, social, or other interdisciplinary outcomes for government, public, or private interests. Governments can use decriminalization as a means of creating revenue, cutting costs, or alleviating strain on criminal justice systems.[1]
Decriminalization is most often in reference to drug use. Decriminalized, recreational drug use can provide the public with increased personal freedom, cost savings, decreased crime, increased respect for law enforcement, and increased contribution to proper drug use.[2] The removal of criminal sanctions from drug use can also sees the removal of attached public stigmas. Without negative conations, drug use can be defined as a health and social matter which thus expands public health and treatment.[3] For example, the decriminalization of heroin and other hard drugs in the Netherlands has allowed addicts to be regarded as registered patients. The outcome has been few newly registered patients.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Overview: Decriminalisation vs legalisation - Alcohol and Drug Foundation". adf.org.au. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
- ^ Morse, S. J. (2001-01-01), Smelser, Neil J.; Baltes, Paul B. (eds.), "Drugs, Decriminalization of: Cultural Concerns", International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, Oxford: Pergamon, pp. 3797–3801, ISBN 978-0-08-043076-8, retrieved 2023-08-29
- ^ "Decriminalisation in detail - Alcohol and Drug Foundation". adf.org.au. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
- ^ Chand, Kailash (2007-11-08). "Should drugs be decriminalised? Yes". BMJ. 335 (7627): 966–966. doi:10.1136/bmj.39360.489132.AD. ISSN 0959-8138. PMC 2072016. PMID 17991976.