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Handbook of Forensic Sociology and Psychology pp 265–279Cite as

Sociological Testimony in Alcohol- and Other Drug-Associated Litigation

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Abstract

Sociologists provide assistance in different aspects of criminal and civil litigation related to alcohol and other drugs. Historically, sociologists have studied the causes, prevalence, incidence, and consequences of alcohol and other drug use, abuse, and dependence or addiction and participated in substance abuse-related policy development. Their research has focused on areas such as the cause of alcohol and other drug use, incidence and risk factors, impact of alcohol and other drugs on social, family, educational, and occupational functioning, and the effectiveness of substance use and abuse prevention policies and procedures. In this chapter, the author presents research in the above areas and offers several case composite studies to demonstrate the ways in which sociologists can serve as expert witnesses and consultants in litigation involving alcohol and other drugs.

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  1. California State University, East Bay, CA, USA

    Stephen J. Morewitz Ph.D.

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  1. Nursing and Health Sciences, California State University, East Bay, San Francisco, California, USA

    Stephen J. Morewitz

  2. College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Mark L. Goldstein

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Morewitz, S.J. (2014). Sociological Testimony in Alcohol- and Other Drug-Associated Litigation. In: Morewitz, S., Goldstein, M. (eds) Handbook of Forensic Sociology and Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7178-3_20

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