Complete the matrix by selecting three states to add below Federal. Then, answer each question listed in the first row for each corresponding law.
| Is marijuana illegal? | What are the penalties for possession of cocaine? | What are the penalties for possession of heroin? | What are the penalties for possession of prescription drugs? | What is the blood alcohol level for a driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) crime? | Is there extreme DWI or DUI? If so, what is the punishment? | Federal | Yes | First offense is up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $100,000. Second offense is 15 days to 2 |
1. Where do you see the largest variance between federal and state anti-drug legislation?
The largest variance is seen between the federal and Arizona state anti-drug legislation for the possession of prescription drugs. The federal legislation imposes a first offense punishment of up to a year imprisonment and/or up to a $100,000 fine, whereas Arizona legislation only imposes a punishment of up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
2. What is the purpose of anti-drug legislation in relation to public order crime? A public order crime is defined as a crime that involves acts that interfere with the normal operation of society. These crimes go against publicly shared values, norms, or customs. Conduct or acts that are considered harmful to society can be prosecuted under public order crimes (Siegel, 2004). The purpose of anti-drug legislation in relation to public order crime began because of rising problems as a result of addiction being perceived as morally destructive. The Supreme Court decisions of Webb et al. v. United States 249 U.S. 96 (1919) and United States v. Behrman 258 U.S. 280 (1922) resulted in pushing the use of drugs underground and consolidated their criminal status (Stanford University, n.d.).
Siegel, L. J. (2004). Criminology: Theories, Patterns, & Typologies. (8th ed.).
