The national minimum drinking age law: Perceptions of its effectiveness to deter juvenile alcohol use.
Citation:
Lewis, J. A., & Carlan, P. E. (2009). The national minimum drinking age law: Perceptions of its effectiveness to deter juvenile alcohol use. Criminal Justice Studies, 22(2), 167-179.
Abstract:
The National Minimum Drinking Age law has come under attack in several states that believe the law is ineffective in preventing juveniles from obtaining and consuming alcohol. This study evaluated this law's perceived effectiveness by surveying college students (n = 180) about their past and current alcohol use. Students were surveyed to determine what sanctions they perceived as deterrents to committing the offense of public intoxication. Analysis revealed that citation certainty, the number of drinks consumed weekly, residence location, and gender were significant predictors as to whether the student would commit the offense of public intoxication.