Contempory Issues in Law and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Contempory Issues in Law and Society - Essay Example ifically bans the import, manufacture, distribution and consumption of psychotropic substances under Schedule I of the Act, and DMT also is listed in the First Schedule of this Act for non use except for controlled research purposes.’(Supreme Court of the United States. 2006). The Government contended that DMT has been proven to cause health hazards to the users. Further, it was also of the view that the use of DMT could be used not only for religious purposes, but also for recreational pleasures. Further it was also necessary for the State to comply with the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 which enunciates the international legal strictures governing use of such drugs. The sect, UDV believes that the government decision was a transgression of their religious sentiments and that the brew was used only for religious purposes, and formed an integral part of the cultural setting of the tribe, which could not be compromised. However, according to the Government, an exception could not be granted to the UDV, since in that case, exemptions could be desired by all, which could belie the enforcement of the Act. The fact that DMT, an essential drug found in the sacred portion, constituted a drug found in the First Schedule of the Act was enough reason for its ban and criminal proceedings against individuals or institutions, who, despite the ban, continue to use the drug, whether for religious or other purposes. The UDV maintained that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act 1993, could be invoked in such a case, and that there needs to be a strong reason for the government‘s actions seeking to enforce the ban on use of the drug and seizures was the least interventionist strategy by which the Government could enforce the ban of the drug. The UDV also cited the provision contained in the Act which could† waive the requirement for registration of certain manufacturing, distribution or dispension if the finding is consistent with public health

HOW WE CAN HELP NATIVE AMERICANS AND THEIR FIGHT WITH ALCOHOLISM IN Research Paper

HOW WE CAN HELP NATIVE AMERICANS AND THEIR FIGHT WITH ALCOHOLISM IN THE NATIVE AMERICAN FAMILY ON A FEDERAL LEVEL - Research Paper Example Booker T. Washington in terms of overcoming addiction says, â€Å"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles one has overcome trying to succeed.† Therefore, Native Americans who are no doubt facing obstacles but they should get rid of their addiction with alcoholism by overcoming the obstacles. In America, Native Americans have been known to over-indulge in drinking more than any other ethnic groups in the country. As a result of this, statistics indicate that nearly 12% of all deaths among the Native Americans are a result of using alcohol (Schinke et al 319). Most cases of traffic accidents, liver and heart problems, and cases of homicide and suicide are related to alcohol use and to some extent other substance abuse by the ethnic group. The legacy of manifest destiny contributed to the high rates of alcoholism in Native Americans by forcing the Native Americans to highly secluded lands that limited their political voice as intended by the federal government; in totality creating a snowball effect that would lead the Native Americans to decades of self-destruction related to alcoholism. The federal government is now focusing on ways that it can reverse this effect on the Native Americans and see the society to a reformation. Alcohol was a medium of exchange for Native American goods by European settlers during the pre-independence period in America. Because of the easy availability, Native Americans got accustomed to using the drink quite freely. The European traders often tricked the Native Americans into over-indulging in the drink so that they could get unfair trade with them. The effects of the drink were new and widely acclaimed in America so that a number of Native Americans found it fashionable to drink. The trend, however, continued past American independence to date (Sherman 45). Scientists studying these phenomenological high drinking rates have linked the use of alcohol to genetics . Studies have shown that some individuals experience gene mutation, which cause significant reactions to over-drinking alcohol. Those who posses this gene suffer worse side effects when they drink such as nausea, increased heartbeats, headache, and extreme drowsiness. This gene is common among the Chinese and Japanese, explaining their less indulgence in the drink (Young 112). Other groups, such as the Native Americans, however, do not possess this gene that mutates, therefore, do not experience adverse effects associated with drinking. Besides this genetic point of view, the environment and cultural tendencies of the Native Americans have played a great role in making it appropriate for them to indulge. When the European settler moved in to America and took over their land, Native Americans became an oppressed group. The European culture clashed heavily with that of Native Americans, creating a major conflict and depression on the side of the Native Americans. The native culture w as presumed to be inferior to that of the dominant European group, and the Native Americans lost pride in their existence and developed a lack of will to protect their culture (Schinke et al 134). The