by karmasTESTdummy

Created on: November 11, 2009   Last Updated: November 12, 2009

When it comes to alternative punishments for individuals who make the conscious decision to commit non-violent crimes is a sort of grey area. If your only means to define any sort of criminal activity is by lumping it into either violent or non-violent, one must take into account the severity of the actual act committed.

For example; some one who was ' busted by the po' for smoking a doobie on a park bench' or an individual who was caught with kiddy porn on his computer are both categorized as non-violent. The severity of the two crimes are on different spectrums and should be recognized as such instead of just 'non-violent'.

Just like shop-lifting compared to embezzlement or driving without insurance. It can be agreed that laws pertaining to a lot of these crimes are too harsh and usually catapult the individual into an intended loop of failed probation. In the same respect it can be said that some laws aren't harsh enough.

It is best to break down non-violent crimes into sub-categories to better exemplify the severity which can lead to a better way to treat the issue rather than classifying them all the same. Lets first start with the issue of drug-related offenses. It's safe to say that there is a fair percentage of individuals who partake in the usage or distribution of drugs.

Especially in trying times, it's quite common as a means to cope with the every day struggle or as a way to feed your family. It is also fair to say that there are overwhelming numbers of people who are dragged through the legal system as a result of drugs.

Especially when it comes to marijuana which has become more socially acceptable and has even had measures to legalize it entirely. The beautiful thing about living in America is that you're supposed to be able to do whatever you like as long as it doesn't affect anyone else's civil liberties in a negative way.

We are allowed to smoke cigarettes until our lungs are painted black and are diagnosed with six months to live. Despite all of the "Truth" ads and early education warning us of the dangers, the amazing factor in this is choice. You have the right to do that because inherently it doesn't affect anyone else but yourself.

Taking the risks of second-hand smoke out of the equation of course. It's in the prohibition of these substances that would-be business men have to turn to a life of crime. By legalizing and regulating drugs, you eliminate a slew of crimes that come from it being illegal while still obtaining tax revenue and

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