The Economic Anatomy of a Drug War: Criminal Justice in the Commons - Softcover

Rasmussen, David W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0847679101 ISBN 13: 9780847679102

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1994

Synopsis

This book explores the economics of illicit drug markets, the connection between these markets and other crime, and the adjustments these markets make when faced with changes in drug enforcement. Focusing specifically on the most recent escalation of drug enforcement during the period from 1984-1989, Rasmussen and Benson adopt an economic perspective to explore the origins and effects of American drug policy. Rasmussen and Benson argue that effective drug policy is only possible if we realize that increasing drug enforcement can be a 'tragedy of the commons' because criminal justice resources are diverted from other uses and many unintended consequences are generated by politically popular drug enforcement initiatives.

About this title

About the Author

David W. Rasmussen is director of the Policy Sciences Center and professor of economics at Florida State University and author of Urban Economics, Economics: Principles and Applications and Elements of Economics. Bruce L. Benson is distinguished research professor of economics at Florida State University and author of American Antitrust Laws in Theory and in Practice and The Enterprise of Law: Justice Without the State.

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0847679101
• ISBN 13: 9780847679102
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280