Legalization

Legalization refers to the process of removing a legal prohibition against something which is currently not legal. Legalization is a process often applied to what are regarded, by those working towards legalization, as victimless crimes, such as the use of certain drugs. Legalization should be contrasted with decriminalization, which removes criminal charges from an action, but leaves it regulated through various laws.

Overview

Legalization can include the removal of laws prohibiting possession, use, distribution, and sale, including laws which make production or importation illegal. It can include laws which would make these actions legal but regulated. For example, there are many places where alcohol is legal, but laws regulate who can produce it, sell it, who can buy it, when and where it can be sold or used, and so on.

Arguments for Legalization

There are several arguments in favor of legalization. These include arguments that the laws are ineffective, that they are unjust, that they are costly, and that they have negative side effects.

Ineffectiveness

One argument for legalization is that laws against the item are ineffective. For example, despite the fact that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in many places, many people still use them.

Unjust Laws

Another argument for legalization is that the laws are unjust. This argument often comes from a libertarian point of view, which argues that people should be free to do what they want with their own bodies, as long as they are not harming others.

Cost

Another argument for legalization is that enforcing the laws is costly. This includes the cost of law enforcement, the cost of prisons, and the cost of court cases.

Negative Side Effects

Another argument for legalization is that the laws have negative side effects. For example, the war on drugs has been criticized for increasing violence, for leading to the imprisonment of a large number of people, for being racially biased, for creating incentives for police corruption, and for distracting law enforcement from other crimes.

Arguments against Legalization

There are also several arguments against legalization. These include arguments that the item is harmful, that it is immoral, and that it will lead to increased use.

Harm

One argument against legalization is that the item is harmful. For example, drugs can be addictive and can have negative health effects.

Immorality

Another argument against legalization is that the item is immoral. This argument often comes from a religious point of view.

Increased Use

Another argument against legalization is that it will lead to increased use. For example, if drugs are legalized, more people may start using them.

See also

• Decriminalization
• Prohibition
• War on Drugs

Legalization Resources
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