This week we learn the various concepts of elasticity (demand and supply) and how to calculate them. Additionally, we understand their application by learning how to interpret the calculated elasticit

This week we learn the various concepts of elasticity (demand and supply) and how to calculate them. Additionally, we understand their application by learning how to interpret the calculated elasticity number and connect demand elasticity to total spending on a particular good.  Based on this knowledge let’s discuss the connection between the war on illicit drugs and likelihood of rising theft /burglaries/ muggings in terms of elasticity of demand and supply -  “ Could reducing the supply of illegal drugs cause an increase in drug related burglaries?” Contrast the above example with the policy of high cigarette taxes to curtail teen smoking (page 92 of the eText).  

Hint: Understanding of Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are applicable to this discussion. Start your discussion by first explaining your understanding of the concepts of elasticity and then apply them to the two examples, finding aspects in the examples that are both similar and dissimilar.