Potions Club: Term XXIV - Activity #1

[ivory88s.livejournal.com]

Activity: Ethics Debate
Points: Long Debate - 10pts initial comment/2pts for each subsequent comment of substance; 30pt max
Deadline: Friday, September 21st - 11:59pm UTC
Details: Potions can be a tricky business with some magnificent results. But should it be monitored and if so, how? The Ministry is considering instituting a control over Veritaserum and we're going to discuss whether or not that's necessary and/or a good idea.


For this particular debate, we'll be discussing Veritaserum use, control, and distribution. Initial comment should be at least 100 words and each subsequent should be of some substance and not just "I agree!", even if you do. Why? Anything else to add?

Some things to consider:
As such a potent and effective potion, does it need to be controlled? At first glance it's fairly innocuous. It can be used in a variety of circumstances for differing reasons. Should it be controlled by the Ministry and, if so, how? Should just anyone be able to make it? And when used by the Ministry, should they just be used whenever interrogating a criminal or only in certain circumstances?

*Note: There WILL be a 24-hour grace period after the activity ends, but please make sure you're on the roster now to save time later! Not sure? Check here. Know you aren't on it? Come join the club here! Purchase any additional bonus items? Let me know here.

Comments

[awkwardnormalcy.livejournal.com]

Of course it should be monitored, if for nothing else because what would happen if it got to someone in charge of a large business? The Headmaster of one of the major schools? A politician? Not only could money be stolen, important positions lost due to the spilling of confidential information, but lives could be put at risk. What if a member of the government or Aurors were given Veritaserum by an enemy and were forced to give away locations and names of undercover agents or plans to capture criminals?

I agree with Christa, it would be very difficult to regulate and that it should be regulated the way certain drugs in the States already are; track who is buying what, and maybe find a way to guard against it.

As for if the Ministry should be able to use it, it is a violation of human rights isn't it? It should only be used in extreme circumstances, and a third unbiased party should be the judge of that, like an ambassador from another country etc. to decide so that we avoid it being personal. Ministry access to it should be limited, not just anyone should be able to approve it. Yes, if Bellatrix lestrange was captured, give it to her, but someone needs to prevent petty criminals like Mundungus from getting it, because as stated; even criminals have rights.

Kerie//Slytherin

[flyingharmony.livejournal.com]

You're right, in the wrong hands Veritaserum can be pretty dangerous - I never thought about what would happen if an enemy would give it to an unercover agent, that'd truly be a disaster. We all know that the truth can be a dangerous weapon, especially when forced out by the abuse of a potion,b ut I already said it, there are so many potions that could be abused to lead thew orld into destruction and generally into a huge disaster, so technically all potions would have to be monitored, not only Veritaserum in particular.

Avi//Hufflepuff//3