Reference no: EM133625761

Assignment:

Supplemental Materials to Complete Prior to Starting the Assignment (though read the assignment in detail before doing the chapter readings and the supplemental materials):

1. The House I Live In (approximately 2 hours)

2. The Call- approximately 55 minutes (podcast and transcript provided if you prefer to read vs. listen)

3. How Portugal Successfully Tackled Its Drug Problem approximately 15 minutes

Assignment Objective: This assignment encourages you to explore real-world applications of harm reduction practices and critically assess its merits compared to the prohibition/criminalization approach (basically everything else covered in this class), fostering a deeper understanding of drug issues and the law. The purpose of this assignment is to delve into harm reduction strategies within the context of drug issues and the law. You will research a specific harm reduction program (look internationally even) and critically evaluate its merits, comparing it to the traditional approach of prohibition/criminalizing drug use (our approach in the United States).

Instructions: Using course resources (textbook and supplemental materials from throughout the course, including the below supplemental materials)

1. Select a Harm Reduction Program:

This could include supervised injection sites, needle exchange programs, or any other harm reduction initiative.

After having done basic research on the broad type of program (such as needle exchanges, drug use hotlines, etc), identify a specific program and include a link to this program. For example, perhaps I did research on harm reduction strategies for drug use generally, drug overdose hotlines more specifically, and provided the URL to the specific program from the podcast I linked to above.
2. Research and Analysis:

Conduct research on the selected harm reduction program. Explore scholarly articles, government reports, and other credible sources to gather comprehensive information on harm reduction strategies.

Identify the objectives, implementation strategies, and outcomes of the chosen initiative.

Keep track of the sources that you use as you will need to integrate them in your assignment along with the textbook information. Do not use direct quotes.

3. Compare with Criminalization Approach:

Examine the traditional approach of criminalizing drug use - material from the entire class.

Contrast the harm reduction program with the criminalization perspective, considering factors such as effectiveness, public health impact, societal costs, and ethical considerations.

4. Discuss Merits and Criticisms of Harm Reduction Generally and Your Chosen Program, Specifically:

• Using course materials and your independent research, analyze the merits and potential drawbacks of the harm reduction policy or program.
• Consider the impact on public health, community well-being, and the reduction of drug-related harms.
• Evaluate the ethical implications and social consequences of both harm reduction and criminalization.

5. Present a Case for Investment in Harm Reduction (or Continual Investment in Criminalizing Drug Use if You Believe That to be a Better Approach):

• Develop a persuasive argument discussing why investing in harm reduction might be a more effective and compassionate approach compared to criminalizing drug use.
• Use evidence from your research and course sources including supplemental materials and the textbook to support your case.

6. Incorporate Course Concepts:

Integrate relevant concepts from the course into your analysis.

Reference specific theories, legal frameworks, or historical perspectives discussed in the course - be comprehensive in your submitted assignment.

References

1. Ninth Edition Drugs in American Society Erich Goode

2. The House I Live In

by Eugene Jarecki Publication date 2012-10-05

Drugs, USA, History, Racism, Society, Freedom, Prison, Fascism, United States, Tyranny

3. The House I Live In By Ira Glass

4. Harm Reduction international