Should non violent drug offenders be released from prisons in the U.S. to ease prison overcrowding?

Question

Should posession of narcotics be decriminalized? Should the U.S. turn to a drug rehabilitation approach for addicts rather than a punishment approach?

Answer 1

Yes, the sooner, the better.

Answer 2

They should be released.  However, even though there is overcrowding, the incentive is to build more prisons.  For example, where I live in the Pacific NW, there are some small towns out in the eastern part of the state where a big prison is really the only thing keeping these small towns going.  As I speak, there are more being built out east just outside small towns.

My point...yes, there is overcrowding.  Yes, nonviolent drug offenders should be released, however, that will not necessarily ease overcrowding in prisons.  The problem is that there is economic incentive to build more prisons.  Actually, criminal system has become a major business...and who wants to see an established business go under?

As far as the drug addiction problem...just who are going to jail for drug possession/trafficking?  Not anyone I know in my suburban neighborhood.  NOT EVERYONE DOING OR SELLING DRUGS ARE GOING TO JAIL.  IT IS DISCRIMINATORY SELECTION IN URBAN AREAS.

Answer 3

no, we should build more prisons

Answer 4

Drug possession should definitely be legal. Most have been legal at one time or another, and we are getting nowhere in the cycle. There would be far less murders and thefts involving drugs if it were legal. Drugs would be cheaper, there would be no need for people to go to dealers, they could go to the store. Profits would be taxable.  Better yet the government could sell them and use the money for rehab places.

The idea that legalizing drugs will make the country addict ridden is ludicrous. There are already addicts. Letting them get help as opposed to having to hide it is much better. Cigarettes are legal and yet most people don't smoke. Are they addictive? Oh yes! People would be no more allowed to come to work high than they are allowed to come to work drunk, and alcohol is not illegal.

I do not use drugs. I don't even smoke. But I am more likely to be injured because of drug deals going down practically everywhere than I would be if someone could just go to the store and get it.

Answer 5

I dont know if drugs like heroin should be legal, but there definatley needs to be more treatment! Even if they dont  want treatment, they should have to do it anyways. When they go to prison all they do is hang around with other drug addicts who dont give a d**n, watch MTV and think of ways to get more drugs. I know because I work in a prison.

Answer 6

No we should put them in the fields for 3 dollars an hour and kick the illegals out.

Answer 7

They should do forced rehab, most addicts won't voluntarily complete rehab.