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Utilitarianism And The War On Drugs

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The prohibition of drugs has been practiced in the United States since President Nixon’s administration; however, does it really maximize utility of the United States’ citizens? If so, it should continue to be practiced with force, but if not, it is time to end the war on drugs once and for all. Even though some consider it not to be a victimless crime, prohibition of drugs does not maximize utility because the war on drugs has flooded United States’ prisons with inmates who have not committed violent crimes, we have no right to keep someone from their lifestyle choice of doing drugs, and it is giving rise to the cartel monopoly. Utilitarianism is a moral theory established by John Stuart Mill that says we should seek not the individual’s …show more content…

According to Friedman’s ethics of coercion, it’s wrong for the government to keep citizens from doing what they wish. We don’t have the right to use direct or indirect force to keep an individual from committing suicide; therefore, we don’t that the right to keep them from drinking alcohol or doing drugs of any kind. The court is essentially unfairly punishing users and dealer for their choice lifestyle. Criminal penalties should be lifted for small amounts in possession, but they should continue for those producing and trafficking. Written in the Seattle Times, former Seattle police chief Norm Stamper advocated for drug legalization by stating that responsible drug use should be considered a civil liberty and that drug abuse should be seen as a medical matter, rather than a criminal one …show more content…

Wilson developed a strong utilitarian argument that supports prohibition. Wilson might challenge Friedman’s contention on the grounds that drug use is not a victimless crime (Wilson). The harmful effects of drug use for far beyond the user. They not only hurt themselves, but they also hurt their family, friends, community, and the larger population. Some would argue that legalizing drug use would give off the impression that it is a nonthreatening risk-free activity that is perfectly acceptable to participate in. Mexican police officer Elisio Montes commented to the London Guardian, “I sometimes wish drugs would be made legal so that the gringos can get high and we can live in peace. Then I say to myself: no—these drugs are addictive after one single hit. They’re terrifying—they destroy lives; they destroy our young people. If they are legal, they will buy more” (Drug

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