(University of Oregon School of Law, 2015-09-10) Bagaric, Mirko; Hepburn, Samantha; Xynas, Lidia
There has been a considerable increase in the penalties for drug trafficking following the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, over fifty years ago. In many parts of the world, the sanctions are as severe as those for homicide and rape. This penalty escalation is at odds with the counter movement to decriminalise illicit drugs. Drug supplying is the only serious crime where there are widespread moves to decriminalize the main outcome of the crime—the use illicit drugs. This paper explores this paradox.
