Question

Lilly, J. R., Cullen, F. T., & Ball, R. A. (2015). Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences. California: Sage Publication.

Explain in full the concept of the “war on drugs.” Based upon what you have learned, do you think it was successful? Your answer must be at least 250 words in length.

Answer 1

"War on drugs" is a campaign to eradicate the illigal use of drugs in United States of America. This campaign against drugs was launched formally by President Richard Nixon during 1970s after signing the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) in 1970 making it law to curb the illegal use of drugs. Strict measures were introduced to make this campaign effective in controlling and eradicating the illicit drug use. These measures included involvement of military and police and mandatory incarceration.

During the President Reagan's in the following decades,this war on drugs was expanded and made more stricter. "Say no to drugs" became a part of this campaign, which was targeted to create awareness of dangers of drug abuse among school children. President Reagan made this operation even sticter and harsher. This expansion made this operation against drugs caused unintended violence and mass incarceration. This movement has been continuing with the same measures of zero tolerance on drugs.

This movement against drugs have resulted in decreasing the illicit use of drugs, but is blamed being racially discriminative. War on drugs have caused violence and the zero tolerance against drugs have resulted in mass incarceration. This movement has taken a racially discriminative stance as more people of color are arrested and taken legal action than the majority faction. Due to all these facts this movement is loosing it's public support. Policy makers are emphasizing on more practical and sensible reforms that could bring an effective and positive change in war on drugs, promoting awareness against drugs in the society and curbing the illicit use of drugs.