Are MLDAs an appropriate use of state powers?

What is it about?

DeJong and Blanchette's argued that there is no need to continue discussing minimum legal drinking age laws because the literature has established that these laws save lives and improve health outcomes. In this letter, we argue that not only are their methods of reviewing the literature vague and potentially biased, but that arguing to end the discussion is inappropriate because we should always seek to know more, and because many less punitive and restrictive methods could be used to achieve the same outcomes.

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Why is it important?

We are asking for the discussion on the use of the state's legal powers to be just as concerned with the process of achieving outcomes as it is with the outcomes themselves. We ask that if the outcomes can be achieved through less restrictive and formal processes, then why aren't we exploring those options? Is criminalizing behavior the only way to achieve social goals?