The classification of what constitutes a crime or what is considered a criminal behavior in our society can be explained by three views. The consensus view of crime contends society will agree on what is considered criminal and should be outlawed, regardless of socioeconomic class. The conflict view which asserts only those with economic and social power can create policies that punish more severely certain criminal behaviors emblematic of the working class, than crimes specific to the upper class, such as white-collar crimes. And lastly, the interactionist view of crime which affirms that criminality and deviance are defined by the morality and beliefs of those in power, especially if they hold social power in the legal and legislative fields
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Marijuana consumption, whether medical or recreational, has been a controversial topic in our country since it was criminalized for the first time in 1913. Now, a century later, the sentiments towards marijuana use have changed dramatically. Albeit still controversial in certain groups, research and statistics have contributed to the general acceptance of marijuana consumption in a medical and recreational setting. While the interactionist view of crime may have explained why marijuana was criminalized in the first place, the consensus view of crime may help explain why it has been legalized in 23 states for medical use and in two states for recreational use. The consensus theory asserts “crimes are behaviors that all elements of society consider repugnant” (Siegel, 2013, p. 16). Regardless of class, the consensus view of crime claims that if the majority of citizens agree a certain behavior is so abhorrent that it must be criminalized, this will be reflected in our criminal laws. While marijuana consumption might have been considered a behavior so deviant and harmful enough to be criminalized at one point, evidence suggests this belief has been consistently changing, through advocacy, research and education. No one could argue there is an addictive component to marijuana that is one of the reasons why some conservative groups have rallied against its legalization. However, based on that premise, anyone could argue that alcohol and tobacco should be criminalized as well, yet they are not. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been approximately 88,000 deaths annually attributed to alcohol poisoning between 2006 and 2010 (“Alcohol and Public Health,” 2014). Tobacco related deaths reached approximately 443,000 annually between 2000 and 2004 (“Smoking and Tobacco Use,” 2014). On
Marijuana consumption, whether medical or recreational, has been a controversial topic in our country since it was criminalized for the first time in 1913. Now, a century later, the sentiments towards marijuana use have changed dramatically. Albeit still controversial in certain groups, research and statistics have contributed to the general acceptance of marijuana consumption in a medical and recreational setting. While the interactionist view of crime may have explained why marijuana was criminalized in the first place, the consensus view of crime may help explain why it has been legalized in 23 states for medical use and in two states for recreational use. The consensus theory asserts “crimes are behaviors that all elements of society consider repugnant” (Siegel, 2013, p. 16). Regardless of class, the consensus view of crime claims that if the majority of citizens agree a certain behavior is so abhorrent that it must be criminalized, this will be reflected in our criminal laws. While marijuana consumption might have been considered a behavior so deviant and harmful enough to be criminalized at one point, evidence suggests this belief has been consistently changing, through advocacy, research and education. No one could argue there is an addictive component to marijuana that is one of the reasons why some conservative groups have rallied against its legalization. However, based on that premise, anyone could argue that alcohol and tobacco should be criminalized as well, yet they are not. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been approximately 88,000 deaths annually attributed to alcohol poisoning between 2006 and 2010 (“Alcohol and Public Health,” 2014). Tobacco related deaths reached approximately 443,000 annually between 2000 and 2004 (“Smoking and Tobacco Use,” 2014). On