Unit 2.2 Chapter 7 Crime in America II

Substance Abuse The harmful overuse of chemicals; such as alcohol and drugs Contributes to many social problems, including the breakup of families, decreased productivity, injuries, and automobile crashes Criminal activity often a result as well

Alcohol Most widely abused substance in the United States Socially acceptable Legal Contributes to poor communication and dysfunction Abuse (child/spouse) Decreased productivity Car crashes

Drunk Driving 35% of all highway deaths involved alcohol Thousands more injured Implied consent: driver agrees to BAC (blood alcohol concentration) test in exchange for the privilege to drive loss of license

War on Drugs Controversy Recidivist LawsLegalization Require long prison sentences (including life) for repeat offenders convicted of same/similar crimes Effort to combat drug- related crime 3 strikes law “War on Drug” a failure Illegal drugs create illegal sales Regulate drugs, not prohibit Marijuana can be used medicinally

Victims of Crime Teens and young adults most likely to be victims Males usually victims of violent crimes Lower income Minority groups Urban dwellers

Solutions Restitution: Requiring criminals to pay back or compensate victims Megan’s Law Requires the registration of all convicted sex offeners in the community Available to the public Prevention Report suspicious activity to the police/be alert Lock up belongings/keep money in safe place Be wary of strangers Stay in groups Testify if necessary