The criminalisation of illicit drugs is causing more harm than good, a prominent former judge says, calling for criminal offences relating to personal drug possession to be abolished.
The criminalisation of illicit drugs is causing more harm than good, a prominent former judge has said, calling for criminal offences relating to personal drug possession to be abolished.Former judge Richard Refshauge backs the calls, saying the move will reduce harmRetired ACT Supreme Court Justice Richard Refshauge is the patron of Directions Health Services that has produced a position paper on the matter."In the case of drugs the evidence is all the other way.
But the person would not have a criminal record for personal use or possession of small quantities of illegal substances, which would impact their ability to gain employment or participate in other community activities.
"I'm not saying that we shouldn't have people prevented, prohibited and penalised for getting behind the wheel of the car when they've got drugs in their system," Mr Refshauge said. "I think it's really important to slow that process down, to realise there are complexities, and to create a round table to really understand those complexities and iron those out before implementation."
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