Question

you are developing an argument about the legalization of marijuana. what goals and approaches listed below are recommended as you structure your argument?

Answer 1

When developing an argument about the legalization of marijuana, it is recommended to define the subject, present the social costs of prohibition, analyze the benefits of legalization, consider alternative approaches, and address disparities in the application of the law.

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing an argument about the legalization of marijuana, there are several recommended goals and approaches to structure your argument:

1. Define the subject: Clearly explain what marijuana is and its current legal status. Discuss the history of marijuana prohibition and the recent trend toward legalization in many states.
2. Present the social costs of prohibition: Discuss the negative consequences of keeping marijuana illegal, such as increased crime, violence, and property crime. Provide examples and statistics to support your claims.
3. Analyze the benefits of legalization: Highlight the potential economic benefits, such as tax revenue generated from marijuana sales, and argue that the social costs of marijuana use are low compared to its prohibition. Provide evidence from states that have already legalized marijuana.
4. Consider alternative approaches: Discuss alternative strategies to prohibition, such as treating marijuana like alcohol or cigarettes through taxation and regulation, or harm reduction methods like subsidizing treatment and providing clean needles.
5. Address disparities in application of the law: Analyze how differences between federal and state law, as well as variations among states, can affect how a person is treated in court. Discuss the need for rectifying these disparities and propose potential solutions.

Answer 2

A well-structured argument about the legalization of marijuana should consider the social costs of prohibition, alternatives to prohibition, and the economic consequences of legalization.

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing an argument about the legalization of marijuana, it is important to consider the goals and approaches that can structure your argument. Some recommended goals and approaches include:

1. Examining the social costs of marijuana prohibition and the potential benefits of legalization, such as reduced violence, cartels, and property crime.
2. Considering alternatives to prohibition, such as treating marijuana like alcohol or cigarettes with taxation and regulation, or implementing harm reduction strategies.
3. Assessing the economic consequences of states that have already legalized marijuana, which have shown small increases in marijuana use and substantial increases in tax revenue.

By addressing these goals and approaches, you can construct a well-rounded argument for the legalization of marijuana based on evidence and logical reasoning.