Some proposals for drugs legislation.

Abstract

SummaryRecent statistics show that misuse of addictive drugs in the United Kingdom is spreading. The present system of legislation, in particular the classification of drugs and the determination of maximum penalties by reference to classes of drugs, is summarised. The fact that almost every minor offender has a right to elect trial before a judge and jury leads to unnecessary expense. Acute problems of drug abuse arose earlier in Hong Kong. Improvement in United Kingdom legislation might be modelled on Hong Kong legislation. That legislation distinguishes between drug traffickers and addicts by reference to the quantity of drug in an offender's possession. Such a distinction could be used to deprive persons in possession of very small quantities of their right to elect trial. Provision is made in Hong Kong for compulsory treatment of addicts whereas no specific power to require an offender to submit to treatment exists in the United Kingdom.