Drugs and Society

Catalog description

This course examines the treatment of drugs in the United States from both the public policy and criminal justice perspectives. Students will analyze public policy decisions to address drug use and addiction through the criminal justice system rather than through the public health apparatus. Consideration will be given to why certain drugs are banned and why other drugs, though controlled, are not banned. The historical underpinnings of drug prohibition will also be identified. Finally, students will critique the current public debate over the merits of drug legalization versus prohibition.