Could the Decriminalization of Drug Use Produce a Safer,

Healthier World?Marie Sanders Longenecker

Baker High School

Social Studies,

STIMULATE INVESTIGATE FORMULATE EVALUATE RESOURCES

Should Drug Use Be Decriminalized?• The Portuguese have decided that it is

smarter to spend their $ on rehabilitation vs. prosecution and incarceration; could this work for the United States?

• Proponents of decriminalization argue that Prohibition of Alcohol only fueled the rise of organized crime. Prohibition and Crime*

• (*Click “Next Page” for more images.)

• Prepare a 1 page, fact-filled News Report regarding the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre

Decriminalizing Drugs in Portugal

As you read the article, answer the guided viewing questions provided on the handout.

Create a graphic to illustrate the positive effects of decriminalization

Mexico's Drug War: The Border

Compare/Contrast Mexico’s Drug War to

U. S. Prohibition Image Analysis Worksheet

Image Analysis (1 per set of images)

Venn Diagram; violence, cost, corruption, international component. Venn Diagram Example

Is There Any Comparison?U. S. Statistics • Click 2010 Census…What is the U. S.

Population?

Portugal Facts• After reading about Portugal…• Create a bar graph comparing U. S. and

Portugal Population Bar Graph Instructions• Create a Venn Diagram comparing and

contrasting 10 characteristics of the 2 countries (Guided Reading on Portugal will be helpful.)

The following Tracks will assist you in understanding the compelling problem of illegal drug abuse.

Google: Track Star Home & read…International Drug Trafficking Click “View in

Frames” Then…When Globe appears, click the links and record 1 way each country is working to thwart drug trafficking. What can you infer about the world’s drug problems?

Decriminalization vs. Legalization Create an image depicting each term; be sure to use captions!

“There’s Nothing New Under the Sun”

Cannabis, Alcohol, and other Drug Facts

Create a Timeline and include 12 dates from the article; by each date list an important fact, turning point, or law that coincides.

Also…

1) How long has drug abuse been a problem?

2) What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

3) Does the U. S. spend money on rehabilitation?

Rubric for Laws Project Now that your research is concluded… you will construct a Code of Laws designed to deal with drug crimes. Per rubric, formulate a 2 page report, presenting and justifying your Law Code. Remember the 3 criteria for laws; maintaining Order, ensuring Justice, and promoting Morality… Will you decriminalize? Why? Why not?

• You are writing your own history every day through the choices you make…

• Teen Drug Facts Create an interview outline with 12 questions to ask a parent/guardian

Puzzle-maker... Select 6 Facts and create a puzzle. You may use fill in the blank clues.

“If you are Ignorant, do not expect to remain free.” Thomas Jefferson

• It is our objective to develop knowledgeable citizens, prepared to play an active role in society.

• Design Your Own Country Rubric

• Create Your Own Country[1].rtf