12 research outputs found
The Dutch Coffee Shop System, Tensions and Benefits
Article published in the Michigan State International Law Review
Gebrauch illegaler Drogen und die niederlĂ€ndische Drogenpolitik: Ăberblick und Bewertung
'Die niederlĂ€ndische Drogenpolitik zielt auf eine Risikominderung sowie auf eine Reduzierung negativer Folgen des Drogenkonsums. Diese Politik, offiziell in einem Bericht von 1995 vorgestellt, scheint im Hinblick auf ihre Prinzipien und grundlegenden Ziele kaum verĂ€ndert. Der Beitrag prĂ€sentiert den Sinn dieser Politik und zeigt ihre Umsetzung in der Praxis. Es wird gezeigt, dass im GroĂen und Ganzen die Ziele erreicht werden, aber einige spezifisch betroffene Gruppen bedĂŒrfen einer besonderen Aufmerksamkeit, und die Kontrolle der Produktion und des Handels der Drogen bereitet weiterhin Probleme. GegenwĂ€rtig zeigen sich gröĂere Probleme in den Bereichen der (organisierten) KriminalitĂ€t und der öffentlichen BelĂ€stigungen, die im Programm von 1995 noch nicht vorhersehbar waren. Das Gleichgewicht der verschiedenen Facetten dieser Politik scheint deshalb gestört, was aktuell zu ihrer Infragestellung fĂŒhrt.' (Autorenreferat)'Dutch drug policy aims to prevent and restrict the risks of the use of drugs. In addition, it aims to reduce the negative consequences of the use of drugs and everything that goes with it. The policy is described in a 1995 governmental paper, of which the basic principles and intentions are still valid. These intentions are evaluated. It is concluded that the key points of drug policy are reflected in the approaches in practice. The drug policy seems to realize its outcomes with regards to use of drugs, although vulnerable groups need attention. The control of production and trafficking, however, is not without problems. Complications in terms of drug related (organized) crime and nuisance form a more serious strain than could be expected from the plan in 1995. This raises questions about balances in drug policy.' (author's abstract
The Dutch Coffee Shop System, Tensions and Benefits
Article published in the Michigan State International Law Review
On Coercion
Coercion is controversial. The idea of using the legal system to get drug users into treatment tends to polarise debate between those who present it as a solution to drug-related crime, and others who see it as an abuse of human rights and of the relationship between client and therapist. Protagonists in this debate tend to talk past each other, with their different emphases on crime and civil liberties. In this editorial, we attempt to test these arguments, in the hope of moving the debate beyond mutual incomprehension. Our discussion builds on work we have done for the QCT Europe project, a six-country study of the use of quasi-compulsory treatment for drug-dependent offenders (see www.kent.ac.uk/eiss/projects/qct-europe/)