English class - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages articles and journals that support this motion while drawing reference to The Constitution of the United States of America and supports the idea that the drinking age ought to be lowered.
The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 highlights the ethical benefits of setting the minimum drinking age of the American population at 21. Although some states have completely instituted a ban on the consumption, purchase and handling of drinks to the minimum age required, others allow them although under tight restrictions. The national law in specific requires all state laws to prohibit public possession of alcoholic beverages by minors. However, the public possession law does not apply to possession of beverages in religious functions, while in the company of adults and parents who are older than 21 years. The law also does not term it as a crime when a medical practitioner such as a physician, doctor or nurse prescribes an alcoholic drink to a patient. It is also not illegal for a minor to possess and consume alcoholic beverages in a private function. Some observers point out the illogic of the age according to decision making process. Constitutionally, any person who has attained the age of 18 is regarded as an adult and has a right to vote in national elections. An adult according to the law is a person who can make informed decisions and be accountable to the government. There should be no special application of the bill of rights to this class of people when it comes to drinking laws. An adult is an adult, so long as constitutionally one is perceived to be capable of making informed judgments. Thus, the law ought to be repealed to lower the age to 18.
According to Zimmer and Hatch (n.p.), the law prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks to persons of 18 years has failed. Many arguments have been raised on the impracticability of the issue. Zimmer and Hatch, (n.p.) compares the alcohol related problems of America and the united kingdom and comes ...Download file to see next pagesRead More