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Abstract

Forensic pharmacology is a fascinating discipline internationally, covering everything from drink driving to the influence of drugs and alcohol in rapes and murders. Scotland is in the unenviable position of being the worst country in Europe for illicit drug-related deaths. The scope of my interest is from medical negligence to drugs of abuse such as new psychoactive substances. I take a particular interest in drugs of abuse and further to that the impact scientific expert evidence has in determining the outcome of cases and how this may be subverted by the judicial process. I will be sharing specific case studies regarding the role of a scientist as an expert witness and the judicial outcomes of the cases. I will be addressing new psychoactive substances (Spice, synthetic cannabinoids, psychedelics, opioids) and medical misadventure resulting in death due to inappropriate therapeutic drug combinations. From the position that I am in, I feel that it is of great importance to highlight the systems in place for illicit drug use and regulation as the differences in these systems may have dire consequences for the user and society in general. In my opinion, decriminalization of drugs of abuse in Scotland, the United Kingdom and indeed, the rest of the World, will lead to a significant reduction in illicit drug-related harm as has been demonstrated in Portugal.

Biography

Stephanie Lora Sharp is a Forensic Pharmacologist, completed her Master of Science in Pharmacology from the University of Glasgow and PhD in Pharmacokinetics from the University of Dundee and Certificates in Civil and Criminal Law from the University of Cardiff. She has worked as a Research Scientist for eight years at University of Cape Town in South Africa and the University of Dundee. She is currently working as a Co-Director of the Glasgow Expert Witness Service Ltd. and is a registered Expert Witness with the Law Society of Scotland Directory of Expert Witnesses and also Professional Member of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and a registered Expert Adviser on the National Crime Agency (NCA) database.

E-mail: stephj@gews.org.uk