Libertarian Perspective & Drug Possession and Use
In 1972, the first Libertarian candidate for president, John Hoskins, drafted a Statement of Principles defining the Libertarian philosophy. That statement remains virtually the same today, with the following expression most symbolizing the overall philosophy of the Libertarian party, ôWe, the members of the Libertarian party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent state and defend the rights of the individualö (MacArtney 2003, 1). The Libertarian philosophy is rooted in the ideas of the Enlightenment and thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Adam Smith. Their views are also founded on Thomas JeffersonÆs belief that the government is best that governs least. Strongly supportive of individual liberties and the Bill of Rights, Libertarians advocate the ôfreedom of individuals to pursue their lives as they see fit, as long as they cause no harm to others, with minimal government interferenceö (1). It is for this reason that Libertarians support the individual right to possess and use drugs, so long as no harm is caused to others from that possession or use.
Libertarians are in favor of legalizing drugs for a number of reasons. The most significant reason has to do with the principle of ônon-initiative of forceö (Coker-Garcia, 1997, 1). Libertarians believe that no crime is committed when there is no use of force, threat of force, or fraud. As such, they argue that consensual activities like drug possession and drug use are not crimes. Libertarians believe such a consensual activity is victimless. Therefore drug possession and drug use is viewed as an individual right, ôindividuals have the freedom to live their lives as they see fit as long as they donÆt harm anyone elseö (Coker-Garcia 1997, 1).
Libertarians are also in favor of legalizing drug possession and drug use because they believe that far from being an effective method of curtailing such
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