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

[bergeronprocess.livejournal.com]

Veritaserum absolutely must be regulated in some way, shape or form. Even if it is difficult to prepare, there is the possibility that students could use it for untoward purposes, dishonest people could sneak it into people's drinks, et cetera.

There should be a way to determine if Veritaserum has been added to a drink. For example, perhaps a drink infected with Veritaserum could turn an unnatural color, instantly freeze into a block of ice or start to smell of unwashed socks--something to deter people from drinking it without knowing what is happening. If Veritaserum is administered, it should be with the full consent of the brewer and the taker.

Yes, in legal matters, there is a reason for the use of Veritaserum, but again, it must be done with the knowledge of all involved. If you can make the Unbreakable Vow with just words and wand, there has to be some way to sign a sort of consent form for the use of Veritaserum. Maybe the potion will refuse to be poured unless the consent form is signed. That way, people of all brewing levels can make the potion and use it, but only for Doing the Right Thing. Which is, of course, a very Hufflepuff thing to say.

Emma//Hufflepuff//210 words