ABSTRACT
The issue of crime speaks to a society's need to maintain a safe space to raise families, conduct business, and foster community. Even actions that might not directly harm others might be designated a crime if they undermine the community's overall well-being. The use of drugs such as marijuana, for example, may be perfectly harmless if done in moderation and apart from the community. But the use of such drugs can threaten the community in numerous subtle and long-term ways, such as damaging people's ability to support themselves, undermining child rearing, and creating a lethargic citizenry and workforce. Even if no one is directly harmed by drug use, its proscription might be desirable because of the likelihood that it would slowly tear apart society's fabric.
