Transcript 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.
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
Crime and Drugs
CRIME
DRUGS
*Causes
-Poverty
-Drug Abuse
-Lack of Employment
-Lack of Education
*Experts say that the role of
drugs lead to violent
crimes.
*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.
*US Department of Health and
Human Services found that in
2003, 19.5 million Americans
used illicit drugs.
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)
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
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.
Death Penalty
for juveniles is “cruel and unusual punishment”
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
Antidrug Policy
should emphasize prevention and treatment instead of
punishment
PROS
CONS
-Majority of drug users aren’t
violent criminals
-Drug use/abuse contributes to
lots of crimes
-Needs to be treated as a
health problem not a
criminal one
-Prison is needed to keep
communities safe
-Drug treatment is less
expensive and more
effective than prison
-Gov’t needs to spend more
money on a commitment to
antidrug efforts
Medical Marijuana
legalize or not?
PROS
CONS
-DR’s should be allowed to
recommend marijuana if they
think it will ease very ill
patients
-Dangerous, shouldn’t be
allowed for any reason
-Not as addictive as other illegal
drugs
-Contains more tar than
cigarettes
-It’s physiological effects are less
severe than tobacco or alcohol
-Includes THC causes physical
and mental problems
Sources
Crime and Drugs Packet
http://books.google.com
www.usatoda.com/news/washington