Final Rewiew Flashcards
Q: How does globalization affect drug supply in the United States and can we wipe out drug selling by making arrests in the country that imports it?
A: Globalization increases the flow of drugs into the U.S. through more efficient transportation networks and international trade. While arresting drug producers or importers may reduce supply temporarily, it is unlikely to completely wipe out drug selling, as new networks or substitutes often fill the gap, and demand remains high.
Q: Since most drug kings are rich, how does property contribute to illicit drug distribution from those who grow or deal?
A: Wealthy drug lords often use property (e.g., farms, houses, or businesses) as fronts for drug production, distribution, or money laundering. Properties provide concealment for illegal activities and serve as hubs for smuggling and trafficking operations.
Q: Some observers claim that the drug trade is bigger than General Motors or the U.S. farm industries. Is that true?
A: The global drug trade is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars, which in some cases surpasses the revenue of major industries like General Motors or the U.S. agricultural sector. However, this is difficult to quantify accurately due to the illegal nature of the trade.
Q: Which drugs are most likely to be produced within the borders of the United States and why?
A: Marijuana is the most likely drug to be produced in the U.S., particularly in states where it is legal for medical or recreational use. Other drugs like methamphetamine and opioids (particularly synthetic opioids) are also produced domestically due to demand and ease of production.
Q: What theory best explains the relationship between alcohol and violence?
A: The cognitive-behavioral theory suggests that alcohol impairs judgment, lowers inhibitions, and increases aggression, leading to an increased likelihood of violent behavior. The disinhibition hypothesis also supports the idea that alcohol reduces self-control, escalating violent actions.
Q: Drug researchers proposed three models for the link between drug abuse and violent behaviors. What are they?
A:
1. The Addiction Model: Drug abuse leads to violence due to the compulsive nature of addiction.
2. The Economic Model: Drug-related violence is linked to the illegal drug market, where individuals commit violent acts to protect or expand their turf.
3. The Psychological Model: Substance abuse may exacerbate pre-existing mental health issues, leading to violent behavior
Q: Why do criminologists say there’s a connection between being the perpetrator and the victim of a crime?
A: Criminologists argue that individuals involved in criminal behavior are often victims of violence themselves due to the risky environments they inhabit. Those involved in crime may have a higher likelihood of becoming victims because of retaliation, conflicts, or involvement in criminal networks
Q: During the 1990s, crime rates in the U.S. declined. Did changes in drug use play a role?
A: Yes, reduced drug use, particularly the decline in crack cocaine usage in the 1990s, contributed to a decrease in violent crime rates. Other factors, such as better policing strategies, the aging population, and economic growth, also played a role in the overall reduction of crime.
Q: Describe the thinking behind the “War on Drugs
A: The “War on Drugs” aimed to reduce drug use and its associated societal harms through aggressive law enforcement, drug interdiction, and punishment of offenders. The belief was that strict control, deterrence, and zero tolerance policies would reduce drug-related crimes and addiction rates.
Q: What factors limit law enforcement’s ability to eradicate drugs?
A:
1. Global supply chains: Drugs are often produced internationally, making it difficult to control imports.
2. Corruption: In some regions, law enforcement officials or government officials may be bribed by drug cartels.
3. High demand: Demand for drugs remains constant, which fuels the trade despite enforcement efforts.
4. Resources: Law enforcement agencies may lack the funding, personnel, or technology to combat drug trade effectively.
Q: What are drug courts and are they effective?
A:
Drug courts are specialized court systems that focus on rehabilitation over punishment for drug offenders. They aim to reduce recidivism and help offenders recover through treatment programs. Effectiveness: Studies suggest they are effective in reducing reoffending and promoting long-term recovery, though outcomes can vary.
Q: Summarize the four models of drug treatment.
A:
1. Abstinence Model: Focuses on complete cessation of drug use.
2. Harm Reduction Model: Aims to reduce the negative health consequences of drug use without necessarily requiring complete abstinence.
3. Medical Model: Treats addiction as a medical condition, often involving medication and therapy.
4. Psychosocial Model: Focuses on therapy, counseling, and behavioral modification to address the root causes of addiction.
Q: What are the four proposals of drug law?
A:
1. Decriminalization: Reducing or eliminating criminal penalties for drug use.
2. Legalization: Allowing legal, regulated production, sale, and use of certain drugs.
3. Medicalization: Treating drug addiction as a medical condition requiring treatment and care.
4. Prohibition: Maintaining strict laws against the production, sale, and use of illicit drugs.
Q: Does criminalization lower the demand for illicit drugs?
A:
No, criminalization alone does not significantly lower demand. While it may deter some individuals from using drugs, it often leads to an underground market where prices remain high, and new users continue to enter the market. Demand is largely driven by social, psychological, and economic factors.
Q: What are the flaws in criminalization of drugs according to legalization advocates?
A:
1. Ineffectiveness: Criminalization does not reduce drug use and can exacerbate the problem.
2. Mass incarceration: The war on drugs disproportionately affects marginalized communities, leading to high incarceration rates.
3. Stigmatization: Criminal records can hinder individuals’ ability to reintegrate into society.
4. Funding criminal enterprises: Criminalizing drugs creates a black market that profits drug cartels and organized crime.
Q: Explain how illicit drugs are handled differently by law enforcement
A:
Illicit drugs are typically handled by specialized law enforcement agencies such as drug enforcement agencies (e.g., DEA), which focus on trafficking, distribution, and large-scale operations. Local police deal with smaller-scale drug crimes. Enforcement often involves undercover operations, surveillance, and international cooperation. Drugs are also treated differently based on their legal status, with varying penalties for different types of substances.
