Abstract
An addiction to drug laws is caused by an inadequate understanding of individual rights and the vital role such rights play in deciding matters of legality. As a result, policies are implemented that cause serious' harm to the very individuals whom these policies were devised to help and to the general public. If the rights of individuals to choose how to use their person and possessions are fully respected, there is no guaranty that people will exercise their rights wisely. Some may mistakenly choose the path of finding happiness in a bottle or in a vial. Others may wish to help these people by persuading them of their folly and supporting them when they seek to wean themselves from their dependency. We must not, however, give in to the powerful temptation to grant some the power to impose their consumptive preferences on others by force. This powerthe essence of drug laws-is not only addictive once tasted, it also carries with it one of the few guaranties in life: the guaranty of untold corruption and human misery.
Recommended Citation
Barnett, Randy E.
(2009)
"The Harmful Side Effects of Drug Prohibition,"
Utah Law Review: Vol. 2009:
No.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://dc.law.utah.edu/ulr/vol2009/iss1/2