Legal Highs and Lows: Craig W. Stevens on Drug Use in Courtrooms
We don't have good pharmacological knowledge in the legal system at all levels.
Picture a courtroom where scientific expertise could make or break a case. That's the world Dr. Craig W. Stevens dives into in his book *The Drug Expert: A Practical Guide to the Impact of Drug Use in Legal Proceedings*. In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', host Geert Slabbekoorn sits down with Dr. Stevens to explore how academic pharmacologists can play a crucial role in legal settings. Dr.
Stevens doesn't hold back as he shares his frustrations with so-called expert witnesses who lack scientific backing, and he passionately argues for the need for rigorous pharmacological input in court cases involving drugs. But it’s not just about pointing fingers. Dr. Stevens also delves into the complexities of pharmacology in lethal injection protocols and the opioid crisis, shedding light on the responsibilities physicians bear in opioid overdose cases.
The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as they discuss the absence of a federal standard for marijuana use, adding another layer to the intricate web of drug-related legal issues. As a cherry on top, Dr. Stevens gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, *The Poppy Collector*, which promises to illuminate the role of the opioid receptor in the ongoing epidemic.
Whether you're a legal professional, a student of pharmacology, or someone fascinated by the intersection of science and law, this episode is packed with insights that could change how you view drug use in legal proceedings.