The line drawn between laws for prevention and laws for  punishment is
      a key issue the world over. In Freedonia, of course, the aim is to grant as
      much freedom as possible, which would negate most prevention-type
      laws. Our main guideline is that one should be free to do whatever they
      wish, so long as they do not cause physical harm to another or to
      someone's property. Along these lines then, drugs would be legal,
      although any action of harm committed would certainly be illegal.

      I am by no means a fan of any narcotic drug, but I can not in good
      faith outlaw such a thing due to the *possibility* that crime may
      occur. In any case, when such things are illegal, it creates a
      whole new realm of crime, murder, etc. from those involved in the
      sale of the substance. I would contend that it is possible that the
      elements of crime due to the nature of its illegality are equal or
      more than the elements of crime that would occur if it were legal;
      e.g. prohibition of alcohol in america.

      Of course, people must understand that any harmful action is quite
      punishable. And, they must also understand that if they choose to
      use such drugs, there is a possibility that they will commit a
      harmful act and be subject to stiff penalties. So in this fashion,
      people should be aware of the risks of using such a drug, not in
      the risk of arrest for its use, but in the risk of arrest from some
      harmful act they may commit. And for those law-abiding citizens who
      may use such drugs without harm to others, they will have the
      freedom to do so. Whereas those that harm others will be arrested.

      In this fashion, it hopes to ensure that only those who deserve
      punishment receive it, and that the freedom of law-abiding citizens
      will not have to be sacrificed due to the acts of others.

      As an aside, if there were no speed limits, would
      people drive 110mph? The majority would not, for they would
      understand the inherent unsafeness of that speed, and the
      possibility that they may loose control and hit someone, thereby
      subjecting themselves to stiff penalties. However, if someone does
      drive 110mph with out harming someone, then they are not subject to
      any penalty. The key is that the FREEDOM to drive 110mph is there,
      even if you choose not to because you realize the possibility of
      causing harm and thereby receiving punishment.
 

John I