Case Studies in Forensic Epidemiology » (1st Edition)

The discipline of epidemiology provides a methodology for perceiving the world and relating to the communities whose health and disease patterns need to be understood. Forensic epidemiology extends our understanding to community's injuries and those alleged to be responsible. This much needed resource focuses on the use of the epidemiology in the legal context, using case studies to illustrate the issues raised. This work includes discussion of:

-epidemiology in the courtroom;
-epidemiology, legislation and rulemaking;
-law, epidemiology and community organization and advocacy;
-epidemiology, law and social context.

This text challenges the boundaries about what epidemiology is and how it is to be used to make a contribution to the groups it studies. In turn, a more complete understanding of the populations, diseases and the systems that underlie and shape the research is reached. This book will be of value to the student studying in public health, environmental health and medical programs, law students as well as professional researchers.

Booknews

Although some may consider epidemiology to be strictly an objective scientific profession, Loue (Case Western Reserve U.) argues that it is an essential tool in addressing legal and policy questions of injuries to communities, the improvement of health in communities, and the stigmatization and marginalization of populations due to disease and perceived disease. Focusing on the use of epidemiology in the legal context, she provides case studies of silicone breast implant litigation and a lawsuit involving . The use of epidemiology in the legislative and regulatory arenas is explored with reference to FDA action related to silicone breast implants and tobacco. Finally, community advocacy and social change movements are considered as parts of the legal forum in examinations of needle exchange programs, revisions in FDA drug approval processes, and the control of tobacco. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)