Criminal Justice Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of the War on Drugs?

1. the abuse or misuse of illegal drugs has contributed to more deaths annually than alcohol or tobacco

2. the drug war is easiest

3. the drug war is hugely expensive

4. the government has exaggerated the dangers of illegal drug use

The correct answer is: the abuse or misuse of illegal drugs has contributed to more deaths annually than alcohol or tobacco

The option identified as the correct answer states a fact regarding the impact of drug abuse and misuse compared to legal substances like alcohol and tobacco. This assertion highlights public health concerns but does not serve as a criticism of the War on Drugs itself. Instead, it points out a grave issue that the War on Drugs aims to address. In contrast, the other options provide critiques related to the War on Drugs. The mention of the war being "easiest" suggests an oversimplification of complex social issues, indicating criticism regarding the effectiveness of strategies employed. The reference to the program's significant expense draws attention to the financial burden it imposes on society, questioning the justification of such expenditures in light of its outcomes. Finally, indicating that the government has exaggerated the dangers of illegal drug use reflects skepticism about the narrative surrounding drugs and their impacts, which is a frequent criticism expressed by various stakeholders, including policymakers and advocates for reform. Thus, the assertion in the correct answer does not align with criticisms aimed at the War on Drugs, as it simply relays statistics about drug misuse without engaging with the implications or effectiveness of the policies in place.