David Pozen on The Constitution of the War on Drugs
Episode Overview
The war on drugs has been costly and ineffective. Activists have overlooked the role of courts in drug reform. Other countries use constitutional law to challenge harsh drug laws. US could learn from international approaches to drug policy. Balancing individual rights with government interests is crucial.
In the war on drugs, the curves of callousness and stupidity intersect at their respective maxima
David Pozen, the Charles Keller Beekman Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, joins the podcast to discuss his new book, *The Constitution of the War on Drugs*. This episode dives into Pozen's critical examination of America's drug war and its impact on money, efficacy, and human rights. Pozen argues that while activists have made strides in legalising cannabis and psychedelics, they've overlooked the potential influence of America's courts in reforming oppressive drug laws.
He highlights how constitutional law has been historically significant in shaping drug policy but has since been sidelined. The conversation also explores how other countries have used their constitutional frameworks to challenge harsh drug laws and what lessons the US could learn from them. Pozen shares his insights on the punitive approaches to drug control and discusses the balance between individual rights and government interests.
If you're interested in understanding the intersection of constitutional law and drug policy, this episode is a must-listen.