Want To Take Risks? It Should Be Your Choice

January, 1989

In 1859, John Stuart Mill wrote the essay "On Liberty," in which he offered the following advice: "The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.... Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign." Mill's theory of individual autonomy is relevant today as we debate whether or not the Government should decriminalize drugs.Americans are schizophrenic in...

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