Narcotic Drugs
Narcotic Drugs Narcotic drugs are substances of which has been used as pain relievers but are most popular with being socially unacceptable. According to research, “a narcotic is an analgesic or pain-killing substance that depress vital body functions such as blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing rate; regular administration of narcotics produces physical dependence” (Saferstein, 2011). This suggests that narcotic drugs primarily target the functioning of organs used for respiratory usage. Nonetheless, throughout the gist of the composition, there will be a classification of the differences of narcotic drugs in criminal law, a provision of the required forensic evidence needed to obtain a conviction in a drug case, and an explanation of the importance of the analysis of drugs in a criminal case. There are many differences in the classification of narcotic drugs in criminal law. Although all narcotics relieve pain by depressing the central nervous system, not all narcotics affect the body the same. Some narcotics are prescribed by physicians for pain, while others are loosely used to describe illegal substances. For instance; studies show that, “The U.S Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) divides narcotics into scheduled classifications (one through five) based on the potential for abuse and medical use” (McElfresh, 2011). This suggests that depending on the possible intent for abuse of the narcotic will determine the schedule classification of which it is categorized in criminal law. Also, according to research, there are four different types of narcotics which are listed as; opiods, cannabinoids, hallucinogens and stimulants” (McElfresh, 2011). All categories hold a different schedule classification based off the potential for abuse. Opiods are “natural and synthetic morphine like product extracted from the poppy plant and is found in schedule two and three of the DEA’s classification” (Kukate & Gokhale, 2008). Furthermore, opiods can stop the awareness of
References: Bennett, T., Holloway, K., & Macquire, M. (2005). Crime and justice : Understanding drugs, alcohol and crime . Berkshire, GBR : McGraw-Hill Education Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/ashford/docDetail.action?docID=10161331&p00=narcotic drugs evidence Kokate, C. K., & Gokhale, S. B. (2008). Textbook of forensic pharmacy . Hyderabad, IND : Global Media Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/ashford/docDetail.action?docID=10415120&p00=narcotic drugs evidence McElfresh, A. (2011). Different types of narcotic drugs . Livestrong.com, Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/107339-different-types-narcotic-drugs/ Saferstein, Richard M. (2011). Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science for Ashford University [10] (VitalSource Bookshelf), Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780558858797/id/ch08lev2sec18