

Alexis and Neil were the proud parents of Sandra, who was about to graduate from high school. Sandra asked if she could have a graduation party, and her parents agreed. Sandra did not drink, and her parents assumed that her friends did not drink either. They told her she could invite up to 30 people, Alexis and Neil provided soft drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. When guests started to arrive, Sandra's parents went upstairs and did not circulate at the party.
Sandra became nervous that some of the guests had been drinking when she noticed that some of them left the party for brief periods of time and then came back. As planned, the party ended at midnight.
A few days later, Sandra and her parents learned that two of the guests were threatened as they walked home from the party. The sober friend ran and escaped harm. The other friend, who was apparently quite drunk, was sexually assaulted.
Should the parents of the friend who was assaulted be able to sue Alexis and Neil for monetary damages?
Should the police charge Sandra's parents with a crime?
How should Sandra and her parents have handled the party differently?
Assume you are a teen drinking alcohol with a friend and your friend becomes sick (or that you are using drugs with a friend who overdoses). A few states now have laws so that neither you nor your friend will get in trouble if you call for help. Why do you think these laws were passed? Do you support or oppose these laws? Give your reasons.
Are there any controlled substances that should be legalized (still allowing some form of government regulation and even fines)? If so, which controlled substances should be legalized?
What are the most convincing arguments in favor of legalizing some controlled substances?
What are the most convincing arguments against legalizing any controlled substances?