The Economic Anatomy of a Drug War: Criminal Justice in the Commons

by David W. Rasmussen, Bruce L. Benson

Overview

This book explores the economics of illicit drug markets, the connection between these markets and other crime, and the adjustments these markets make when faced with changes in drug enforcement. Focusing specifically on the most recent escalation of drug enforcement during the period from 1984-1989, Rasmussen and Benson adopt an economic perspective to explore the origins and effects of American drug policy. Rasmussen and Benson argue that effective drug policy is only possible if we realize that increasing drug enforcement can be a 'tragedy of the commons' because criminal justice resources are diverted from other uses and many unintended consequences are generated by politically popular drug enforcement initiatives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847679102
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/05/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	260
Product dimensions:	5.94(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.82(d)

About the Author

David W. Rasmussen is director of the Policy Sciences Center and professor of economics at Florida State University and author of Urban Economics, Economics: Principles and Applications and Elements of Economics.

Bruce L. Benson is distinguished research professor of economics at Florida State University and author of American Antitrust Laws in Theory and in Practice and The Enterprise of Law: Justice Without the State.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Rhetoric and Reality of Drug Policy Chapter 3 The Allocation of Law Enforcement Resources: An Overview of the Commons Problem Chapter 4 Drugs and Criminality Chapter 5 The Impact of Enforcement on Drug Markets Chapter 6 Indirect Costs of Drug Enforcement Chapter 7 The Politics of the Drug War Chapter 8 Police Incentives and Drug Enforcement Chapter 9 Drug Policy in the Criminal Justice Commons Chapter 10 Bibliography Chapter 11 Index

Editorial Reviews

.. . accessible to a wide audience.. .. an interesting case study in institutional economics.

Economic Journal

.. . most policymakers recognize that the government is losing the drug war. David Rasmussen and Bruce Benson help explain why, exploring the complicated politics and economics behind the issue. Their proposed reforms may help lead us to a more rational, less costly, and ultimately safer policy.

Doug Bandow

A challenging study of where America went wrong in the war on drugs. Even those who disagree will have to take notice of this well-argued book.

John DiIulio

.. . scholars will obviously be fascinated by this. . .

Journal of Communication

The Economic Anatomy of a Drug War is simply the most compelling book on the war on drugs. . .

Southern Economic Journal

Hopefully, this book will be read by all those with an interest in sane public policy toward illegal drugs. In clear, concise, and practical terms, Rasmussen and Benson show precisely why simply throwing more resources into law enforcement will not lead to national law enforcement in this area.

Robert D. Tollison

A challenging study of where America went wrong in the war on drugs. Even those who disagree will have to take notice of this well-argued book.--John DiIulio, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University

. . . most policymakers recognize that the government is losing the drug war. David Rasmussen and Bruce Benson help explain why, exploring the complicated politics and economics behind the issue. Their proposed reforms may help lead us to a more rational, less costly, and ultimately safer policy.--Doug Bandow, Cato Institute

Hopefully, this book will be read by all those with an interest in sane public policy toward illegal drugs. In clear, concise, and practical terms, Rasmussen and Benson show precisely why simply throwing more resources into law enforcement will not lead to national law enforcement in this area.--Robert D. Tollison

From the Publisher

. . . scholars will obviously be fascinated by this . . .

Journal Of Communication