Prop 19 - Should California Legalize Marijuana?

There are several hot issues that are being debated for California's upcoming elections. However, the topic that is probably generating the most attention (particularly amongst California's younger voters) is the law that proposes making marijuana legal in California. On November 2, 2010, Californians will vote on this proposed bill.

If Proposition 19 is passed, people who are 21 years old or older can possess, grow, and sell marijuana for their own intents and purposes. Congress could only demand drug testing for minors and for legal purposes, and persons could only be removed from the workplace for drug testing after an accident has occurred. Proposition 19 would also allow the state to collect a tax on marijuana's sales, similar to that of cigarettes. Legislature could amend the proposed bill according to popular vote.

Typically, when voters first hear of this proposition, the initial reaction is shock.

After all, haven't the dangers of marijuana been constantly hammered into our heads by public education systems ever since we were about twelve years old? However, upon further consideration, other people begin to think that Proposition 19 makes sense. Marijuana is ridiculously easy to grow in your own home and then distribute as you please. The fact that marijuana is illegal has not stopped anybody who really wants to get their hands on it; at least Proposition 19 would allow the state to earn some money off of the sale of marijuana.

Of course, legalizing marijuana would not make the drug any safer for consumption. People who oppose Proposition 19 argue that making marijuana legal would make it seem more acceptable, promoting its use and consequently its dangerous side effects. Additionally, opponents to this proposition claim that several flaws in the initiative present potentially treacherous implications; for instance, operators of public transportation methods could drive their vehicles while stoned, without any consequences implemented by their superiors until after an accident has occurred.

Yet supporters of Proposition 19 claim that it will actually make conditions safer for people overall. By upholding a tax on legalized marijuana, law enforcement will be able to have greater control over the distribution of weed to kids. Police will also be able to fight drug cartels, who make an enormous percentage of their revenue from the illegal sale of marijuana.

It is clear that there's no easy answer to the question of legalizing marijuana in California. So, what do you think? Should marijuana be a legal substance in California?

Career Opportunities in Law and Legal Field

 

Law career offers various job opportunities in India. If you wish to make your career in law field, there are some excellent positions available for law graduates in Government of India like Assistant (Legal), Superintendent (Legal), Assistant Legal Advisor, Deputy Advisor, Additional Legal Advisor, Joint Secretary & Legal Advisor and Central Govt. Advocates in Bombay, Delhi and Calcutta.

Law examination takes place periodically as when the vacancies occur. A candidate has to fill up an application form with a certain amount of application fee. The examination is conducted by the State Public Service Commission.

The various posts filled through the above examinations are those of the Magistrate, Munsif/Sub-Magistrate, Public Prosecutor and the like. Description of functions/duties related to these posts is as follows:

Magistrate: Magistrate presides over criminal court, decides cases and delivers judgment on judicial matters filed in or transferred to his court.

Public Prosecutor: Govt. Pleader/ Govt. Council represents State in sessions courts and lends advice to officers in districts in all legal matters when called for. He studies records of case sent to Sessions Courts by Trial Magistrate and ensures against Emissions and Commissions and irregularities, which might vitiate proceeds in Court.

Solicitor: Generally advises the Government on legal matters and submits statement of important cases to Attorney-General of India for his opinion or appearance in the Supreme Court as necessary.

Attorney General: Attorney General of India is appointed by the president. He holds office during the pleasure of the President. By qualifications he must be fit enough to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court. His duties include advising the Government of India on such legal matters as may be assigned to him by the President. He has the right of audience in all courts of India. He can also participate in the proceedings of Parliament without the right to vote. Attorney General is a tested by a solicitor General and Additional Solicitor General in the proper performance of his duties.

Advocate General: Similar to the post of Attorney General at Centre each State has an Advocates General appointed by the respective State Governors. He has all those duties and rights in the State, which his senior counterparts enjoy in the Centre.

The Notary, Oath Commissioner: A Notary is a legal practitioner of at least ten years standing in the profession. He is appointed on application Central State Government to draw, verify authenticate certify and attest the execution of any deed by virtue of his office. Similar to the Notary, there is another established authorized called the ‘Oath Commissioner’. An Oath Commissioner is also authorized to attest the various type of document by charging some fee duly permitted by Law.