Here is my first submission about my paper:


Topic: Legalization of all drugs (i.e., legalizing drugs currently
deemed illegal)
Research Question:
How would the legalization of all currently illegal drugs impact crime
and homelessness rates across the U.S.?
Reflection:
- What do you already know about your topic? How do you know it?
I am aware that the topic of drug legalization is controversial.
Countries like Portugal have decriminalized drugs, and their
experiences are often cited when discussing potential impacts of drug
legalization. I also know that the United States has a significant
drug problem, including issues with opioid addiction, and that the War
on Drugs has led to high incarceration rates, particularly among
minority communities. This information comes from news articles,
documentaries, scholarly articles, and government reports.
- Do you know of any central arguments that may support your research
question? Do you know of any arguments that may actually counter your
research question?
Legalization could reduce crime rates, as the criminal justice system
would no longer need to prosecute drug-related offenses. Tax revenue
from legalized drug sales could boost the economy. Legalization could
lead to better regulation and safer, controlled substances. It could
also support addiction treatment and harm reduction initiatives,
improving public health. However, legalization might increase drug use
and abuse, leading to negative public health outcomes. It could
exacerbate addiction problems and burden the healthcare system.
Normalizing drug use may undermine social norms against substance
abuse. It might not eliminate the black market for drugs, as people
might seek cheaper, unregulated options.
- What do you want to learn about your topic?
I want to learn about the potential impacts of drug legalization on
public health, crime rates, and the economy in both short-term and
long-term scenarios. Additionally, I aim to understand the nuances of
different drug policies and how various drugs might require different
regulatory approaches.
- Where might you find more information about your topic?
Academic journals and books on drug policy and public health,
government reports and statistics from agencies like the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA), reports and case studies from countries that
have decriminalized or legalized certain drugs, etc.
 

Using this information, fill in the next assignment:

I. Submit a file that includes an outline of your research paper. If helpful, a general template is included below. In order to receive full credit, your outline must include the information

Research Question
Restate your research question so that your peers and Dr. Speirs can provide further feedback about your thesis
Introduction
Key Background Information – identify the main points you need to discuss to provide necessary background information
Significance or Importance – identify the main points you need to discuss to emphasize the significance or importance of your thesis
Thesis Statement: write your thesis statement (1 sentence) as the answer to your research question
        3. Arguments (please note that exactly 3 reasons and objections are not required)

Reason #1 – state the first reason; discuss at least 1 piece of supporting evidence
Reason #2 – state the second reason; discuss at least 1 piece of supporting evidence
Reason #3 – state the third reason; discuss at least 1 piece of supporting evidence
        4. Counter-Arguments (please note that exactly 3 counter-arguments are not required)

Objection #1 – state the first objection; discuss one idea for a response
Objection #2 – state the second objection; discuss one idea for a response
Objection #3 – state the third objection; discuss one idea for a response 
         5. Conclusion

               A. Indicate the main points you need to emphasize or summarize

II. Following your outline, identify at least one challenge or concern you have about your outline. Are there any sections of your outline that still need improved before you begin writing your rough draft? Are you happy with your thesis statement? If you are generally happy with your outline, please make a note in this section.