CRM 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Victimless Crime, Public Nudity, Public Intoxication
Document Summary
Crm101 - understanding crime in canada: lecture 6. Public order crimes: also called victimless crimes, these acts interfere with public order. Recall mala prohibitum: crimes that are crimes because they violate prevailing moral rules. Mesopotamia: opium as the plant of joy (2000 bce) Marijuana, hallucinogenic plants, coca leaves for stimulants, analgesic plants. Cannabis use is increasing and tobacco use is declining. Characteristics of drug-involved youths who continue to commit crimes as adults include: Early use of drugs and/or multiple drug use. Narcotics act (1908): opium criminalized marijuana added 1923. Ledain commission (1971): recommended decriminalization of marijuana possession. Liberal government election promise to legalize marijuana. Crime tariff: take money away from the black market. Re-orient police resources for hard drugs and serious, violent criminals. Potential increase in incidence of impaired driving. Gateway drug argument - largely discredited by academic literature. Potential increased costs for the casual user. Political concerns - relationship with united states and international legal obligations.
