Criminal law, liberty & the state
Is Criminalising People Who Consume Recreational Drugs Absurd and Immoral?
LNAT Section B · Founder's essay plan
The essay question
"The policy of criminalising people who consume recreational drugs, such as ecstasy and cocaine, is absurd as well as immoral. Not only does it not work, but the state has no business prosecuting consenting adults simply because they take risks with their health." Discuss.
The plan
Stance
Against criminalisation. The essay argues the policy is both absurd (ineffective) and immoral (violates autonomy), though recognising strong counterarguments.
- Jurisdiction focus: Primarily UK (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, recent drug-policy debates), with comparative references to Portugal, the Netherlands, and US states.
Definitions
Read the full plan
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