Objectives and scope of drug-related criminal law
Narcotics law is a crucial part of the criminal justice system that aims to combat the uncontrolled trafficking, use and possession of illegal drugs and protect public health. It covers a wide range of drug-related offenses, such as drug trafficking, possession of narcotics, possession with intent to traffick, and the cultivation and manufacture of illegal drugs.
Prevention, rehabilitation and alternative measures
A central aim of criminal law on addictive substances is to reduce the availability and spread of illegal drugs and to minimize the associated risks to the health and safety of society. However, criminal law not only aims to punish drug offenders, but also to prevent drug abuse and rehabilitate addicts. It includes drug education, prevention and treatment programs aimed at helping people overcome their addiction and lead a drug-free life.
Holistic approach to overcoming drug addiction
An important aspect of drug-related criminal law is the distinction between occasional drug use and serious drug addiction. Law enforcement agencies and courts often take into account the individual circumstances of a case and may order alternative measures such as therapy instead of punishment, counseling or community service instead of prison sentences, especially for first-time offenders or people with minor offenses. In addition, drug sentencing law aims to address the social causes of drug addiction and tackle underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment and mental health problems. It recognizes that drug addiction is often linked to other social and health challenges and therefore requires a comprehensive approach to tackle these issues.
