The Legalization of Drugs (For and Against) [Paperback]

Doug Husak (Author), Peter de Marneffe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0521546869 | ISBN-13: 978-0521546867

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.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

In the Untied States today, the use or possession of many drugs is a criminal offense. 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 young people from self-destructive drug use.

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521546869
• ISBN-13: 978-0521546867
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,076,036 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Philosophical Reasoning, August 14, 2009

By 

Dr Mitchell Earleywine "Dr. Mitch" (Albany, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Legalization of Drugs (For and Against) (Kindle Edition)

This is a phenomenal account of the philosophical arguments for and against prohibiting drugs of abuse. Both authors rely on empirical work in some of their explanations, but the majority of the arguments rest on ethics rather than research BY DESIGN. Each author's logic is nuanced and smart. They disagree on a few assumptions that seem minor at first but essentially lead to different conclusions. (Even the author who argues against prohibition agrees that current cannabis laws are probably unjustified.)This is a superb example of philosophical thinking and a welcome addition to the libraries of anyone on either side of this debate.

1 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not a research based book, September 10, 2007

By 

PRH - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legalization of Drugs (For and Against) (Paperback)

This book was not based on research. It was a point v. counterpoint of the positions on drugs and the effects they have on people. It is an opinion book, not one filled with facts and figures based on solid research.