Crime and the Law Drugs, the Law and Government Responses.

Heroin Cannabis Cannabis Resin LSD Speed Ecstasy Cocaine Meth

Today we will… Identify current offences involving drugs in the UK Describe what punishments can be given for drugs offences Explain if the government has been successful in tackling drugs offences.

Success Criteria Match-up various drugs into the appropriate offence categories Describe the punishments that can be given to individuals for drugs related crimes Explain why the government has not been totally effective in tackling drugs related crimes in the UK

Drug Case Study In the UK, illegal drugs are classified into three main categories. They can be Class A, B or C, with A attracting the most serious punishments and fines. Drugs are classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act are illegal to have, produce, give away or sell. Not all drugs are illegal, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t harmful. For example, tobacco and alcohol can seriously damage your health. And recently new 'legal highs' have been developed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cocaine and ecstasy but are structurally different enough to avoid being classified as illegal substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act. However, they can still have dangerous side effects

Drug Classification HEROIN/DIAMORPHINE LSD AMPHETAMINE ECSTASY COCAINE CANNABIS Using the sorting cards, put the drugs under the correct classifications as best you can. We will go through these along with their punishments after.

So What is the Penalty? Classification Possession Production or supply CLASS A   7 years or unlimited fine or both. Life or unlimited fine or both. CLASS B 5 years or unlimited fine or both. 14 years or unlimited fine or both. CLASS C 2 years or unlimited fine or both.

Worksheet Task Work through the drug worksheet to help gain a better understanding of classifications, and to see what the government is doing to reduce drug offences across the UK. Answer the questions at the bottom of the worksheet in your jotter.

SQA Exam Question Laws regarding the use of drugs in UK are complex. Explain, in detail, two of the government’s responses to illegal drug use in the UK (6 marks)

Example P.E.E.E paragraph One way the government has responded to illegal drug use in the UK is to set-up the information service FRANK. The talk to FRANK service aims to educate the population about the dangers of illegal drug use by providing up-to-date information on the health effects and legal issues associated with drug misuse. The FRANK service is mainly aimed at children and young adults are they are considered most vulnerable to drug misuse. For example, FRANK provides emergency contact information and support services specific to the area of the country a person lives in.