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Northern Essex Community College

Module 11 Writing Assignment

Review the assignment overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.

Overview

Few criminal justice policies have generated more debate than the War on Drugs. Since the early 1970s, federal, state, and local governments have invested billions of dollars in efforts designed to reduce drug use, disrupt drug trafficking organizations, and improve public safety. Supporters argue that aggressive enforcement has reduced crime, disrupted criminal enterprises, and prevented dangerous drugs from reaching communities. Critics argue that the policy has been costly, has contributed to mass incarceration, and has produced mixed results in reducing drug use and addiction.

In this assignment, you will examine the origins of the War on Drugs, evaluate its intended goals, and assess whether it has been successful. Using statistical evidence and credible research, you will develop and defend your own position regarding whether the United States is winning or losing the War on Drugs.

Student Learning Objectives

(These objectives support the assignment and are not the questions to be answered.)

  • LO1: Analyze the historical development, goals, and implementation of the War on Drugs. (SLO6)
  • LO2: Evaluate criminal justice policies using statistical evidence, research findings, and contemporary drug crime trends. (SLO6)
Assignment Topic

The War on Drugs has shaped criminal justice policy in the United States for more than five decades. During that time, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional institutions, and public health organizations have adopted various strategies to address illegal drug use, trafficking, and drug-related crime.

For this assignment, research the history and impact of the War on Drugs and develop a position regarding its effectiveness.

Your paper should address the following questions:

  • When did the War on Drugs begin?
  • What social, political, and criminal justice concerns contributed to its creation?
  • What were the primary goals of the War on Drugs?
  • How did federal, state, and local governments attempt to achieve those goals?
  • What major laws, policies, or initiatives were implemented as part of the War on Drugs?
  • How did the policies of Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Obama, Trump, and Biden influence drug-control efforts?
  • What measurable successes can supporters of the War on Drugs point to?
  • What criticisms have been raised regarding the effectiveness of the War on Drugs?
  • How has the War on Drugs affected crime rates, incarceration rates, drug availability, overdose deaths, organized crime, and public health?
  • Are we currently winning or losing the War on Drugs? Why or why not?
  • What statistical evidence supports your position?
  • If you were responsible for future drug policy in the United States, what changes would you recommend?

Your conclusion must clearly state whether you believe the United States is winning, losing, or achieving mixed results in the War on Drugs and support that position using statistical evidence and credible sources.

Acceptable and Ethical Use of AI
  • You may use AI tools to identify historical events, locate statistical resources, or summarize research related to drug policy. All statistics and factual claims must be verified through credible governmental, academic, or professional sources.
  • Your final position and analysis must reflect your own evaluation of the evidence. Submitting AI-generated arguments or papers as your own violates course academic integrity policies.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your assignment.

  • Your paper should be 2-3 pages, using APA style, including 12 font and 1-inch margins.
  • A minimum of at least two (2) sources, with proper APA citations in a Reference Page and proper in-text citations.
  • Abstract NOT needed.
  • Organize your paper using an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Include and discuss at least three statistical measures relevant to the War on Drugs (e.g., drug use rates, overdose deaths, arrest statistics, incarceration rates, drug seizures, drug availability, treatment outcomes, or crime rates).
  • Support your position using objective evidence rather than personal opinion alone.
  • Discuss both positive and negative outcomes before reaching your conclusion.
  • Submissions are checked against a Plagiarism Checker and AI Detector.
    • Direct quotes should not exceed 15% of the total paper.
    • AI Usage – you must use AI ethically. Papers written by an AI is cheating.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your assignment through the designated submission area.
  • Ensure your file is in Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF format.
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
Important Reminder

Important: All work must be your own. Follow course policies regarding academic integrity and the use of outside sources or tools.