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Crime and Drugs Domestic Policy

Crime and Drugs Domestic Policy. Kristen Tonniges Megan Videtich Sammie Khan. Domestic Policy. *Domestic Policy focuses on concerns within the United States. *It presents decisions, laws, and programs made by the government which are directly related to issues within the United States.

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Crime and Drugs Domestic Policy

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  1. Crime and DrugsDomestic Policy Kristen Tonniges Megan Videtich Sammie Khan

  2. Domestic Policy *Domestic Policy focuses on concerns within the United States. *It presents decisions, laws, and programs made by the government which are directly related to issues within the United States.

  3. Social Programs *Social programs have increased the number of Americans receiving federal government benefits *Examples: College aid, food stamps, health care *Social Security Programs- -Unemployment Insurance -Supplemental Security Income

  4. CRIME *Causes -Poverty -Drug Abuse -Lack of Employment -Lack of Education *Experts say low income and unemployed people especially in urban areas are more likely to be depressed and frustrated and therefore more inclined to break the law. DRUGS *Experts say that the role of drugs lead to violent crimes. *US Department of Health and Human Services found that in 2003, 19.5 million Americans used illicit drugs. Crime and Drugs

  5. Crime Statistics • Violent Crime- declining 3% per year since ‘04 • But yet the crime rate is at the lowest point since 1973 • Drug use in teens in ‘03 was a troubling/persistant problem • In ‘03- 16,500 murders • Americans own over 200 million handguns, rifles, shotguns • 10.4 millions crimes documented in ‘03 • 90% ~ against property, burglary, car theft • 10% ~ violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assult)

  6. Policies • Factors that could send the crime rate up if the economy deteriorates: poverty, splintered families, drugs, unemployment, and availability of firearms. • Focus anticrime Policies on: stricter law enforcement or more prevention programs • 1994- Congress Passed, Clinton signed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act ~ provided $30 bil over 6 years for crime control • Funding added 100,000 police officers • 1993- Handgun Control Act, mandates 5 day waiting period for anyone buying a handgun from a licensed dealer. • More crimes are classified as federal which have harsher punishments than state crimes

  7. Drug Statistics • US Department of Health and Human Services National Survey on drug use and health found that in 2003, 19.5 million Americans use illicit drugs. • 8.3% of those were 12 years old and older • 11.2% of 12-17 year olds admitted to using illegal drugs.

  8. PROS -Is Cruel and unusual because juveniles act impulsively -Unaware of the full significance of their actions CONS -Higher than in previous decades -Punishments may not work on young offenders like it does on adults -Shows young people that murder is unacceptable Death Penalty for juveniles is “cruel and unusual punishment”

  9. PROS -Majority of drug users aren’t violent criminals -Needs to be treated as a health problem not a criminal one -Drug treatment is less expensive and more effective than prison CONS -Drug use/abuse contributes to lots of crimes -Prison is needed to keep communities safe -Gov’t needs to spend more money on a commitment to antidrug efforts Antidrug Policyshould emphasize prevention and treatment instead of punishment

  10. PROS -DR’s should be allowed to recommend marijuana if they think it will ease very ill patients -Not as addictive as other illegal drugs -It’s physiological effects are less severe than tobacco or alcohol CONS -Dangerous, shouldn’t be allowed for any reason -Contains more tar than cigarettes -Includes THC causes physical and mental problems Medical Marijuanalegalize or not?

  11. Sources • Crime and Drugs Packet • http://books.google.com • www.usatoda.com/news/washington

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