A. Issues

The students will learn that it is important to think critically and apply their values on issues in today's world. (M.U.)

Should drugs be legalized?  (Issue)

 


B. Possible Alternatives

Organized crime is a big business today.  Some main products associated with organized crime are guns, drugs and prostitution.  What effects do these commodities have on today's society?  Today drugs are a big business in the underworld.  There is a lot of crime associated with the drug world, so many people who want drugs legalized say that the government could control the sales and ultimately bring down the crime rate and also make lots of money off it.  If you look at Holland, that is what the government did and it did have an effect on crime.  When we look at this issue we have to take into account our values and apply them to this situation and then come up with our own position, individually.  Each of us have different values so we may not come up with the same position.

 

  1. Yes, drugs should be legalized.
  2. No, drugs should not be legalized.
  3. Maybe just a few drugs should be legalized? Which ones should be? Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin? Why should some be considered and others not?


C. Positive and negative consequences

 

1. Yes, drugs should be legalized.

 


2. No, drugs should not be legalized.

 


3. Just a few drugs should be legalized.  Which ones should be?  Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin?  Why should some be considered and others not?

 

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4. Alternatives discussed a little further (and how to talk about them in class, with no positives or negatives -- just more open discussion)

 

  • Medical reasons are the biggest reasons for legalizing drugs today, but most scientists do not think this is the way to go because there are legal drugs available that have the same effect. But sometimes hospitals use illegal drugs for relief of pain and other medical reasons.  Does this, therefore, warrant its legalization?  Hospitals and doctors can use it but normal people cannot and some people feel that is an impingement on their rights. ...

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