Drugs: Should They Be Legalized? (Issues in Focus) [Library Binding]

Marilyn Tower Oliver (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: Issues in Focus

Discusses the issues surrounding the controversial idea of legalizing certain types of drugs in the United States.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up--A balanced look at all sides of the debate. Beginning with a history of drugs and drug use, Oliver presents statistics to show the seriousness of today's problems. She describes five categories of drugs regulated by the Controlled Substances Act, created in 1970, explains why they are regulated, and outlines the penalties for trafficking in them. Included is a discussion of actions that the U.S. government has taken in an effort to control illegal drugs and their use. Controversial issues such as search and seizure and drug testing are also raised. The case for legalization cites the failure to combat drugs by spending vast amounts of money; the problems brought on by Prohibition from 1919-1933; increase of crime and corruption because drugs are illegal; the spread of HIV virus through contaminated needles; and the erosion of civil liberties. The discussion includes methods for changing the laws, argues for more local control of the drug problem, addresses the use of illegal drugs in medicine, and points out that many dangerous substances remain legal and readily available. The text is written in an easy-to-read style, with bold headings for main and subtopics, and documented with extensive chapter notes. An excellent resource for general readers and for students doing research or debating the topic.

Dana McDougald, Cedar Shoals High School, Athens, GA

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894907387
• ISBN-13: 978-0894907388
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,182,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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