Legalisation

Government policy has steadfastly been against drug legalisation, but increasingly critics have argued that this is unsustainable. This book is a timely examination of the issues this raises.Numerous suggestions have been offered. Some seek complete legalisation, others a more modified form, yet still others want an increasing commitment to harm reduction policies.Philip Bean examines the implications of these proposals for individuals, especially juveniles, and for society, when set against crime reduction claims. He concludes with the necessary questions a rational drug policy must answer. The book will be essential reading for students and academics in criminology, sociology and social policy, as well as policy makers, practitioners and the general public.

Government policy has steadfastly been set against drug legalisation, but increasingly critics have argued that the present policy is unsustainable. Legalising drugs: Debates and dilemmas is a timely and much-needed examination of some of the issues surrounding this matter.

Numerous suggestions have been offered. Some seek complete legalisation, such as the right to use recreational drugs without government interference, others offer a more modified form, yet still others want an increasing commitment to harm reduction policies.

Philip Bean examines these proposals, especially when set against claims that they will reduce crime. He does so in terms of their implications for individual users, especially juveniles, and for society in general. He concludes with the necessary questions that a rational drug policy must answer.

The book will be essential reading for students and academics in criminology, sociology and social policy, as well as policy makers, practitioners and the general public.

Philip Bean, Emeritus Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Loughborough