How well did I meet the rubric?

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.

Research Question:
How would the legalization of all currently illegal drugs impact crime
and homelessness rates across the U.S.?
I. Introduction
A. Key Background Information
1. Overview of the U.S. drug problem, including opioid addiction
2. Brief history and outcomes of the War on Drugs, particularly its
impact on crime rates and incarcerations
3. Example of Portugal’s drug decriminalization and its outcomes
B. Significance or Importance
1. The growing debate on drug policy and criminal justice reform in
the U.S.
2. Potential economic implications, including tax revenue and public
health cost
3. Effects on marginalized communities and the broader societal impact
C. Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement: Legalizing all currently illegal drugs could
potentially reduce crime rates and homelessness in the U.S., although
it may also bring challenges including increased drug abuse and public
health burdens.
II. Arguments
A. Reason #1: Reduction in Crime Rates
1. Evidence: Case studies from countries that have decriminalized or
legalized drugs, such as Portugal, have shown decreased incarceration
rates for drug offenses (The Health Effects of Cannabis and
Cannabinoids, 2017).
2. Supporting Point: Redirecting resources from policing and
incarceration to rehabilitation and mental health services.
B. Reason #2: Economic Benefits
1. Evidence: Potential tax revenues from legalized drug sales can be
estimated by examining currently legal substances like alcohol and
marijuana (America’s Marijuana Evolution, 2017).
2. Supporting Point: Savings from reduced law enforcement and
incarceration costs.
C. Reason #3: Public Health Improvements
1. Evidence: Availability of safer, regulated substances can reduce
overdose rates and drug-related health issues, similar to the evidence
seen with the legalization and regulation of marijuana (Marijuana
legalization and historical trends, 2016).
2. Supporting Point: Improved access to addiction treatment and harm
reduction programs.
 
III. Counter-Arguments
A. Objection #1: Increased Drug Use and Abuse
1. Response: Reviewing the data from decriminalized markets to show
trends, highlighting education and harm reduction strategies
B. Objection #2: Burden on Healthcare System
1. Response: Examining how redirected funds from law enforcement can
bolster healthcare services, including treatment programs for
addiction
C. Objection #3: Persistence of Black Market
1. Response: Discussion on pricing strategies and regulation to keep
legal market attractive; enforcement focus on illegal trafficking
IV. Conclusion
A. Main Points to Emphasize or Summarize
1. Recap of potential benefits: reduced crime rates, economic gains,
and public health improvements
2. Acknowledgment of potential risks and the importance of
comprehensive strategies to address them
3. Reiteration of thesis: the overall positive impact of drug
legalization on crime and homelessness with managed risks
V. Challenge/Concern Section
One challenge I have about my outline is ensuring that I provide a
balanced view of both the potential benefits and the risks of drug
legalization. I want to avoid being overly optimistic or overly
pessimistic, and I’m concerned about finding enough credible sources
to support all points of the argument and counter-arguments,
particularly newer data from countries that have implemented similar
policies. I am generally happy with my thesis statement as it provides
a clear stance while acknowledging challenges but I would appreciate
feedback on whether it needs to be more specific or if it flows well
with the arguments laid out.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and
Medicine Division,
Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, Committee on
the Health Effects
of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health
Effects of
Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and
Recommendations for
Research. National Academies Press, 2017,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425763/.
Trumble, Sarah, and Nathan Kasai. “America’s Marijuana Evolution.”
Third Way, 24 Aug. 2017,
www.thirdway.org/report/americas-marijuana-evolution.
 
Yu, Bin, et al. “Marijuana Legalization and Historical Trends in
Marijuana Use among US
Residents Aged 12–25: Results from the 1979–2016 National Survey on
Drug Use and
Health.” BMC Public Health, vol. 20, no. 156, 4 Feb. 2020,
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8253-4. Received 15 June 2019,
Accepted 21 January
2020.