Heroin Legislation :: essays research papers

The Heroin War: Why We Must Change our Battle Plan If a single reason can be given to illustrate the urgent need for reform of the current Australian drug policy it is this; that the prohibition strategy is simply not working. The toll from heroin deaths in Victoria has risen 73 percent over the last ten years, addiction and overdose rates are soaring and the price of heroin is declining. The Federal Government is applauding the ‘zero-tolerance’ regime. The Prime Minister displays the seizure of large amounts of the drug and apprehension of suppliers as proof that the law is working, while the obvious truth is illustrated on our streets. No matter how ‘tough on drugs’ the government becomes they will never eliminate their presence in society. This is clear from the failure of the approach in other nations. For example the US carries out a drug associated arrest every 20 seconds, with no signs of any decline. All that prohibition succeeds in achieving is turning the drug trade into an illegal, dark and murky black market affair. We must now ask the question, are we going to stand staunch in policies which have proved to be unsuccessful or are we going to take a brave leap into a more hopeful future? There is great fear reverberating through the community; fear of stepping into a more open and frightening, yet decidedly more promising way of tackling the issue. Reform does not mean, as opposers argue, condoning the use of drugs. It means accepting that drugs are part, admittedly an unfortunate part, of our society which will not simply ‘go away’. The refreshingly new ideas of controlled heroin trials, legal injecting rooms and greater availability of clean needles should be given consideration. Lightening of the law would bring drug use out of the shadows it has long inhabited, removing the violence, criminality and risk which go hand in hand with the current drug trade. It is argued that any easing of drug laws would reduce the cost, and increase the availability of street heroin, but if pure, safer heroin is prescribed under clinical conditions, will this not reduce the desire for heroin on the street? Casting light into the alleyways will surely lessen the sinister nature of the black trade. Addicts would not have to turn to crime to finance their habit and dealers would not have the violent hold over those they supply.

Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Essay

People of the world have always faced both types of disasters, natural as well as man-made. Man-made disasters were not prevalent in ancient times. Man-made disasters are the results of industrial and material progress. Natural and man-made disasters equally play havoc on human in modern times. Sometimes, a man-made disaster has bigger impact than natural disaster. The cause of natural disaster is natural with man-made disaster is caused by man himself. Man-made disasters include leakage of oil in the sea, nuclear explosion, leakage of poisonous gases and chemical, fire, floods created by dams etc. Man-made disasters are avoidable. They may be averted if man works efficiently and carefully. On the other hand we have no control over a natural disaster. They include earthquake, tsunami, flood, typhoon, hurricane, tempest, avalanches, land slide etc. Man cannot avert them. However, it should be noted that some natural disaster are indirectly the result of man’s activities. For example draught may be the cause of cutting of forests. Thus, the number of man-made disasters is greater than natural disaster. Natural disasters like tsunami and earth quake plays havoc on life and property. Sometimes, millions of lives are lost in these disasters. Certainly, there are some measures to minimize the impact of natural disaster. But they cannot be averted altogether. A natural activity is not termed as a natural disaster until it has impact on human. For example, a volcano eruption at an uninhibited place is not a natural disaster. It is a natural event surely. Natural disasters are aggravated in the condition of unpreparedness on the part of man. A natural disaster has a bigger impact when man is not prepared for it. For example, earthquake cannot be predicted beforehand. It may engulf a large number of people at night while they are sleeping in their homes. A hurricane or a tornado gives opportunity for preparation to face it. Man-made disasters are caused by human activities. They may be in smaller magnitude such as a forest fire which has less impact and may be colossal such as the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Man-made disasters are brought unknowingly as well as knowingly. Accidents happen due to negligence on the part of man. The Bhopal Gas tragedy is a result of an accident which played a havoc on the local residence. In the modern world, terrorism is considered as a cause of man-made disaster. The 9/11 attack of terrorism on WTO is a kind of man-made disaster which took the lives of thousands of people. This was a crime of man against man. Terrorism has taken the lives of millions of people all over the world. So, crime may also be considered as a man-made disaster. Wars are another kind of natural disaster. Millions of people have been killed in the wars during the last one hundred years. These wars were not accidents. They were fought intentionally to kill people. They are the shame on people who caused them.

Yale Kamisar uses the term “heater cases”

Question OneYale Kamisar uses the term â€Å"heater cases† in his article In Defense of the Exclusionary Rule.   Unfamiliar with the term, it was researched and determined to be a phrase used to refer to cases that are so controversial or unpopular that they are the subject of both media and public attention. (Bogira, 2005)   Author Steve Bogira provides one example of a heater case.   It is referred to as the Bridgeport case and involved the trial of three white men who had brutally beaten a 13-year old black male.   It was alleged that the reason for the beating was to convey the message that the black boy would not be tolerated in the white neighbourhood. (Bogira, 2005)Kamisar describes the heater case’s impact on the exclusionary rule. According to Kamisar, should a defendant escape conviction because the exclusionary rule prevents the admission of evidence crucial to a conviction.   Such a scenario has the potential to inflame public passions with the res ult that the judge is under pressure to allow the evidence notwithstanding the illegal method employed to seize it and will â€Å"find a way† to admit it. (Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)Question TwoKamisar does not refute each of Judge Calabresi’s arguments as to why the exclusionary rule should be abolished.   He agrees in principle that many of the alternative remedies are ineffective, such as the remedies in criminal sanctions and civil complaints. (Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)   Kamisar takes issue with Calabresi’s suggestions that the exclusionary rule could be effectively replaced by the introduction of a points system following conviction with a view to lightening the sentence imposed and the institution of some penalty with respect to the offending police officer. (Calabresi, 2003, 111-118)Kamisar rejects these suggestions noting that with respect to the imposition of a points system which would effectively reduce the sentence would have no impact on police cond uct. (Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)   This is so because police care about convictions and the negative fallout should a suspect escape conviction.   Therefore any alternative to the exclusionary rule that does not impact upon conviction will not act as an incentive for police to conduct orthodox investigations. (Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)Moreover, Kamisar argues that Calabresi’s proposal for a sanctions hearing in respect of police officers who allegedly acting illegally in obtaining evidence is fraught by the same difficulties that impact upon civil or criminal remedies. (Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)   The entire case will either stand or fall upon the credibility of the accused person, which as Kamisar argues is tenuous at best particularly following a conviction. (Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)Question ThreeYale Kamisar primarily relies on balancing two conflicting policy issues in his article â€Å"In Defense of the Exclusionary Rule.†Ã‚   The first policy consideration is the n eed to allay the general public’s fear of crime and the second policy consideration is the need to protect suspects from police abuse of constitutionally protected rights, particularly the fourth amendment right to privacy and due process as contained in the fourteenth amendment. (Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)In determining the value of the exclusionary rule Kamisar considers the impact of its abrogation on both policies.   He submits that its abolition would result in defeating constitutional rights since alternatives to the exclusionary rules are ineffective.   He goes on to argue that although the exclusionary rule does not entirely protect constitutional rights against police misconduct, it is the only feasible remedy available since police do care about convictions.The likelihood of the exclusionary rule setting a suspect free is more likely to deter police misconduct than not. Since judges are always mindful of the consequences of allowing a serious criminal to escape con viction, the exclusionary rule will not undermine public policies with respect to getting tough on crime.   In other words, the exclusionary rule is the best method for balancing policies against criminal conduct and safeguarding the constitutional rights of an accused person.Question FourYale Kamisar’s arguments for the retention of the exclusionary rule has substantial merit.   If police conduct hinges entirely on the desire to obtain convictions and drives the police officer to offend constitutional rights, it logically follows that if evidence obtained in that manner is excluded police would be less likely to infringe upon constitutional rights. Kasimar readily admits that the exclusionary rule is not perfect, but it is the best police regulatory method available.(Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)Arguments that serious criminals escape conviction as a result of the exclusionary rule are not supported by empirical research studies.   (Kamisar, 2003, 119-140)   More important ly, judges can be trusted to exercise their discretion properly and fairly with respect to the exclusionary rule.   Those who argue against the effectiveness of the exclusionary rule fail to take account of the experience and intelligence that judges manifest in criminal trials.   It is highly unlikely that a judge will permit either a police officer or a criminal to manipulate his discretion.   He is more likely than not err on the side of caution.BibliographyBogira, Steve. (2005) Courtroom 302. New York, Alfred A. Knopf.Calabresi, Guido. (2003) â€Å"The Exclusionary Rule.† Harvard Law Journal and Public Policy. Vol. 26, 111-118Kamisar, Yale. (2003) â€Å"In Defense of the Exclusionary Rule.† Harvard Law Journal and Public Policy. Vol. 26, 119-140

A Good Leader: Odysseus and Gilgamesh

Strength, determination and dedication are a few examples of characteristics, which a leader should possess. Characteristics of a good leader may vary in the eye of the beholder, however, I believe that overall there are a few qualities that are critically important. Throughout a person’s life, the experiences they endure shape them and build them into an individual. Like the lugals in Mesopotamia, it is a leaders obligation to protect and serve. In the Mycenaean civilization the Wanax stood at the top of their social ladder.In the Odyssey, Odysseus would be a Wanax because he owned an independent walled kingdom or palace. Both Odysseus and Gilgamesh were looked up to as leaders. When asked if they were successful leaders, I was a bit stuck. After some thought, though, I came to the conclusion that I believe both Odysseus and Gilgamesh were successful leaders. They were not always successful leaders, but their adventures and experiences molded them into reliable men. Our first glance of Odysseus is when Telemakhos speaks of him to Athena. (Odyssey 8-9).He explains that he would rather have a father who is happy and growing old in his house rather than one with a mysterious and dangerous life. This is the first example of why I believe Odysseus started out as a bad leader. Although he was off fighting, against his wishes, he lost contact with the people he cared about the most, and fell off the radar. I believe that, as a leader, he should have been able to somehow get into contact with his family and inform them that he was okay. When comparing our first impression of Gilgamesh to Odysseus, we see someone who is extremely different.Odysseus had a loving family and a loyal wife. In contrast, Gilgamesh was selfish and achieved the glory he thought he deserved. He was on the hunt for immortality and in doing so, abandoned his city or Uruk to travel with his friend Enkidu. A successful leader should never abandon his or her people. One example that contrasts Odysseus’ quality of leadership can be seen by looking at his crew. None of his members survived. A successful leader should always lead, protect and receive respect from their crew and in many ways the members of his crew were disobedient.When Odysseus and his crew traveled to the island of Helios he distinctively said to his men not to touch the cattle (Odyssey 219-220). When Odysseus fell into a sleep, Eurylokhos, Odysseus’ main member of the crew, convinced the men to kill one of the cattle for food (Odyssey 221). Disobedience shows disrespect, and when the members of your crew do not listen to what you say it shows that they do not take you seriously. A second example showing how Odysseus could not control his crew is the bag of wind (Odyssey 166).I believe that if you are a successful leader, you should be able to control all of your people, namely your crew. Although Gilgamesh does not have a crew, he proves that he lacks the characteristics of a good leader in a few instances. Gilgamesh and Enkidu steal trees from the cedar forest, which is forbidden to mortals. This is prime example of how Gilgamesh does not care about anyone else but himself. He is disrespecting the Gods by entering the forest and going even further by cutting down the trees.During this endeavor they also kill Huwawa, the monster that guards the forest. At first Gilgamesh flees when he first sees the face of Huwawa (Gilgamesh 26). Gilgamesh fleeing from the face of the demon shows that he was afraid, and no leader should ever be afraid and show it. Another example of Gilgamesh lacking the qualities of a leader is when he kills the Bull of Heaven. The goddess Ishtar was in love with Gilgamesh and wanted to be with him; when she asks him to be her husband he rejects her and she goes straight to her father and mother, Anu and Antum (Gilgamesh 29-32).Ishtar has her father send the Bull of Heaven down to kill Gilgamesh, however Enkidu and Gilgamesh conquer the Bull of Heave n and kill it. The council of Gods were enraged and demand that Enkidu must die in order to pay for the deaths of both Huwawa and the Bull (Gilgamesh 37-38). Betraying the Gods enough for them to wish death upon Enkidu shows that Gilgamesh was certainly not being a respectful mortal, let alone leader. Odysseus was a very sneaky and cunning man. He was able to defeat many monsters by out-smarting them.This was not always the best way to go about achieving victory. Odysseus came upon the Kyklops while on his journey with his crew. They were stuck in his cave, and he thought of a sneaky plan to get away. Odysseus and his crew took a large pole and poked the Kyklops in the eye. Right before they did this, however, Odysseus told the Kyklops that his name was Nohbdy. When the kyklops ran out of his cave bellowing in pain his fellow Kyklops’ asked who did this to him. â€Å"Nohbdy, Nohbdy’s tricked me, Nohbdys’s ruined me† (Odyssey 157) was the Kyklops’ r eply.This was extremely smart and cunning, and Odysseus would have been able to get away safe and sound. The unfortunate part occurred when Odysseus decides to brag his victory and announce his real name to the Kyklops. A leader should not feel the need to brag about victories that he or she has earned. Every leader knows that they are capable of defeat, and bragging is never something that a successful leader should do. As you can see there are several examples proving that Gilgamesh and Odysseus were not successful leaders from the start and throughout their journeys.The realization comes at the end of both novels where I believe the leaders made a change in their path for the better. When Odysseus and Telemakhos meet up they know that they must now defeat the suitors and gain the palace back as their own. Odysseus was disguised as a beggar so that he was able to go into the palace and get ready for the defeat of the suitors. You could already tell that he was starting to change w hen one of the suitors insulted him on being a beggar, and not being worthy. Normally Odysseus might have revealed whom he really was in order to prove his excellence, however he did not seem phased by it.From there Telemakhos and Odysseus defeated all of the suitors and claimed that palace, as it should be. Odysseus was back where he belonged, and ready to rule his people like he should have been doing from the start. Gilgamesh on the other hand was searching not for his way home, but for immortality. After Gilgamesh’s long journey he comes to the realization that death is inevitable. He learned from his talk with Utnapishtim that immortality cannot be earned when you are trying to get it. In his case, Utnapishtim was not looking for immortality when he built that ark.He was building the ark because he was told to and immortality was awarded to him as a reward. Death is something that cannot be avoided, and that he should just learn to accept that. Gilgamesh then finally rea lized what he had done to his people. Because he was so wrapped up in the glory, fame, and immortality he was trying to reach he gave up on something that was a part of him. Gilgamesh knew at that moment that he needed to travel back to Uruk and rule his people the way that they deserved to be ruled. In my opinion I believe that the end of both men’s journeys is the most important part.Yes, they were definitely not successful leaders for most of the story however the realizations at the end meant the most. When they realized that they let their people down they knew they needed to change. It shows that they will be there for them from now on, and be the best leaders they can be. I also believe that with the obstacles they over came along the way lessons were learned. Every champion athlete has to over come bad competitions, injuries, and bumps in the road in order for them to be at the top of the podium, and a successful leader has to do the exact same thing.

America's Age of Imperialism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

America's Age of Imperialism - Assignment Example This policy was for their benefit. The Philippines –American war happened after American shoot down in the Spanish –American war of 1898, Spain surrendered its longstanding colony of Philippines to the united states in the treaty of paris.it reached a time when the US forces were serious in rejecting on enforcing American colonial control over issues such as islands, the first collides as an â€Å"insurrection† instead than accept the Filipinosargument that they were fighting to guard off any strange intruder. The solutions to these issues came when the United States started in the Philippines in 1900 leader being a future president William Howard Taft started a pacification movement that became popular as policy of attraction. This policy was designed to preside over the main elites and other Filipinos included who did not embrace Aguinaldo’s plans for the philipines,this policy allowed a kind of freedom of self-governance, started reforms for economic progress and in addition some social reforms. America opened Panama Canal which joined the two big oceans. This acted as a sign that America had emerged as a global power. America also wanted an easier route to their colonies. This was made possible by Bunau-Varilla who negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty of 1903 which provided the US with a 10 mile piece of land which they built a canal .they did this through payment of 10$million and paid to Panama. Roosevelt Corollary to Monroe doctrine was a policy by President Theodore Roosevelt self-assertive to Latin America approach. The army was the most influential in this period because it had full training on how tackle any war that

Political Philosophy (Hobbes' ideas about human nature) Essay

Political Philosophy (Hobbes' ideas about human nature) - Essay Example Both these influences seem to have greater influence over the way Hobbes political thoughts developed over the period of time. His thoughts on political philosophy were therefore strongly oriented towards separating religion from the politics and state. Hobbes strongly advocated the minimal role of religious orthodoxy into the affairs of the government and resultantly he suggests that it is the sovereign which should have an authority over the religion. What is critical to note that Hobbes suggested that a person’s duties to God must not override his duties to the sovereign? This therefore makes his overall political philosophy different from earlier thoughts on the relationship between religion and the politics. This paper will discuss the philosophy of Hobbes and will make a comparison and contrast between his philosophy and that of Locke. Hobbes on Human Nature One of the most important difficulties while one reads about Hobbes’s thoughts on the human nature is the f act that his ideas on human nature cannot be easily separated from his overall political philosophy. ... Hobbes therefore strongly believed that Man is not the social animal because a society cannot exist without the establishment of a government. This orientation of the Hobbes towards the nature of the man therefore suggests that man will be at war with each other perpetually. Such tendency of the man therefore can only be controlled if there is a strong sovereign with absolute powers to control such instinctive nature of man. It is because of this reason that Hobbes believes that absolute monarchy may be the right kind of political system to control such institutive nature of man. To better understand the political philosophy of Hobbes and his ideas on human nature, it is also important to understand his concept of the state of the nature. The state of nature is used as a hypothetical condition which preceded the government. Hobbes increasingly views human nature from the perspective of the state of the nature because he believe that the human nature in the state of nature is quite po or, brutish, solitary as well as short. He therefore argues that the man essentially is a selfish individual and in the absence of any government, his selfishness can prevent the establishment of a social or society. He therefore argues that in order to accommodate the individual rights within a society, it is important for individuals to cede some of their rights and others will also follow the same. That is how the society is created out of the essential human nature. (Martinich) He also went on to argue that a man cannot, by his nature, find god or evil and therefore in order to live in peace, it is important for him to subjugate him to an authority of the government which is strong enough to provide the required support to an individual. Another