Handbook

LAWS3427/JURD7527 “Drug Law and Policy” is a multi-disciplinary course examining Australian and international drug laws and policies, drawing on a wide range of historical, socio-legal, political and criminological research.  There is an emphasis on current research findings. Part one focuses on the historical process of criminalisation of drugs, with specific focus on the role played by the United States and the United Nations in the prohibition movement. Part two examines the consequences of drug prohibition with a focus on social justice issues. Part three then examines harm reduction policies, law reform and alternative approaches to criminalisation.

Main Topics

• Criminalisation of drugs and the international prohibitionist regime
• History of Australian drug laws
• Australian drug offences
• Intersectionality of drug laws with other areas of law
• Issues of social justice concerning prisoners, public health, and drug addiction
• Alternatives to the criminal law for dealing with drug use and addiction