Decriminalizing the Possession, Annotated Bibliography Example

The topic I will be addressing is, “Decriminalizing the possession and use of small quantities of Marijuana.” Two key issues that will be investigated are, “How cost-effective is it to arrest those with small quantities of marijuana? I.E. in terms of resources from policing/government agencies. Do these arrests deter those from continual marijuana use? And or does it lead to other drugs or crime?” Below are citations for threepeer-reviewed articles,one book chapter, which support the arguments I intend to make. In the following pages, please find attached photocopies of the first page of each article/book.

#1

Beckett, K., &Herbert, S. (2006). The Consequences and Costs of Marijuana Prohibition. University of Washington Research Study. Retrieved on October, 9^th 2013 from http://www.aclu-wa.org/library_files/BeckettandHerbert.pdf

This article is a study conducted by Associate Professors Becket and Herbert in Sociology and Geography respectively. The study was done on behalf of the Law Society and Justice Program. The researchers discovered that increasing marijuana arrests does not achieve the stated goals of marijuana prohibition. Secondly, the collective costs of marijuana prohibition for the public are significant; the personal costs to individuals are also substantial, not adequately assessed by policymakers, and may negatively impact society as a whole. (Beckett& Herbert, 2006).

This article provides important data pertaining to cost of arresting people with small quantities of marijuana. The information would be useful for my study. There are graphs and statistics which can be used as reference.

#2

Shepard, E., &Blackley, P (2005). Drug Enforcement and Crime: Recent Evidence from New York State.Social Science Quarterly, 96(2),323–342

This article examined the effectiveness of drug law enforcement as a mechanism for reducing other crimes. The author concluded that while research is conducted in the cost effectiveness of enforcing these lawsthey seem inadequate. Importantly, it seems as though the cost of increased criminal activities is significant.

It is then valuable data for my research project. The article discusses the futility of drug laws in America. They merely seem to be a waste of money.

#3

Lotz, R. (2005).Youth Crime in America: A Modern Synthesis Chapter 1: Making Youth Crime a Social Issue p 5. New York: Pearson

In this Chapter 1 the author devotes pages towards analyzing the impact of illegal drug use among youths in America. He evaluates the laws to realize that do not deter them from using the drugs. More importantly, it is believed to cause more violence.

The information in this chapter gives a perspective of how drug laws are interpreted by America’s youth. It identifies the role youth play in the use and trade itself. Hence, it becomes relevant to my study pertaining to Decriminalizing the Possession and Use of Small Quantities of Marijuana.

#4

Fergusson, D. Swain-Campbell, N., & Horwood, L. (2003). Arrests and convictions for cannabis related offences in a New Zealand birth cohort. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 70(1), 53-63

This study examined relationships between the use of cannabis and arrest/conviction for Cannabis related offences. Researchers discovered that laws were inadequately administered. Consequently, it was ineffective in reducing use of the drug.

Essentially, this study is very supportive of decriminalization of marijuana use. Even though it was conducted in New Zealand the findings are relevant to any society.Therefore, I would apply the data in writing my research paper.