3 ms·

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought we differ in severity. Instead of 3 strikes laws and extended jail terms, doesn't Portugal for treatment? (I'm happy to

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought we differ in severity. Instead of 3 strikes laws and extended jail terms, doesn't Portugal for treatment? (I'm happy to admit I may be wrong here)

rayiner 10y ago
We do. But Portugal also has far less severe sentences for murder: maximum 25 years.[1] But it would be inaccurate to say that Portugal has "legalized" murder. Portugal has decriminalized possession, and the Netherlands has a policy of non-prosecution for possession. But even in the U.S. mere possession is rarely punished with prison time (much less extended sentences and 3-strikes penalties): http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/america-tonight-blog/2014/2/21/netherlands-cannabislessonscolorado.html http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/ame.... And when it comes to things other than possession, the Netherlands does prosecute. The Netherlands conducts about 5,000 marijuana raids every year: http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/america-tonight-blog/2014/2/21/netherlands-cannabislessonscolorado.html http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/ame.... I'm not being merely pedantic. In my opinion, pointing out that Portugal and the Netherlands "legalized drugs" isn't just technically inaccurate, it's a red herring. The real problem is our law enforcement's over-the-top militarism and brutal penalties across-the-board. Law enforcement in the Netherlands doesn't choke people to death for selling untaxed cigarettes--that doesn't mean the problem in the U.S. is that selling untaxed cigarettes is illegal. The real story isn't that Portugal has decriminalized drug possession and why can't we be like that.[1] It's that Portugal rarely even enforces prison sentences under 5 years! Why can't we be like that? [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_(Portuguese_law) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_(Portuguese_law)
- mathattack 10y ago
  Good points. I guess I also looked at it as "penalize addiction" versus "treat addiction". Again, I'm not 100% up on the facts, so thank you for sharing. The issue is broader than just drugs - it's also warped incentives that encourage "tough on crime" initiatives to go haywire.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought we differ in severity. Instead of 3 strikes laws and extended jail terms, doesn't Portugal for treatment? (I'm happy to admit I may be wrong here)

rayiner 10y ago

We do. But Portugal also has far less severe sentences for murder: maximum 25 years.[1] But it would be inaccurate to say that Portugal has "legalized" murder. Portugal has decriminalized possession, and the Netherlands has a policy of non-prosecution for possession. But even in the U.S. mere possession is rarely punished with prison time (much less extended sentences and 3-strikes penalties): http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/america-tonight-blog/2014/2/21/netherlands-cannabislessonscolorado.html http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/ame.... And when it comes to things other than possession, the Netherlands does prosecute. The Netherlands conducts about 5,000 marijuana raids every year: http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/america-tonight-blog/2014/2/21/netherlands-cannabislessonscolorado.html http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/ame.... I'm not being merely pedantic. In my opinion, pointing out that Portugal and the Netherlands "legalized drugs" isn't just technically inaccurate, it's a red herring. The real problem is our law enforcement's over-the-top militarism and brutal penalties across-the-board. Law enforcement in the Netherlands doesn't choke people to death for selling untaxed cigarettes--that doesn't mean the problem in the U.S. is that selling untaxed cigarettes is illegal. The real story isn't that Portugal has decriminalized drug possession and why can't we be like that.[1] It's that Portugal rarely even enforces prison sentences under 5 years! Why can't we be like that? [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_(Portuguese_law) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_(Portuguese_law)

mathattack 10y ago
Good points. I guess I also looked at it as "penalize addiction" versus "treat addiction". Again, I'm not 100% up on the facts, so thank you for sharing. The issue is broader than just drugs - it's also warped incentives that encourage "tough on crime" initiatives to go haywire.