“The Law is too Grey”: Liminal Legality and Moral Injury in Encounters with Drug Law Enforcement

Original research
par
Michaud, Liam et al

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

The objective of the study was to learn from the experiences of people who use drugs (PWUD) across Ontario to better understand how the Good Samaritan law is working in practice. In particular, this study set out to examine whether or not police and other first responders are abiding by its legal protections, and therefore reinforcing or undermining its intended aim of encouraging more bystanders to call 911 in the event of an overdose.

Constatations/points à retenir

The findings reveal that PWUD experiences of drug law enforcement reflect a broader regime characterized by an ambiguous legal status and uncertain protections. This state of liminal legality functions in large part through police discretion and the uneven spatial distribution of law and enforcement practice.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

Qualitative data collection occurred in 2019–2020 and consisted of six 2-hour in-person focus groups in Ontario's two largest southern and northern cities (Toronto, Ottawa, and Greater Sudbury; two groups per city). 

Mots clés

About PWUD
Crime
Illegal drugs
Legal system/law enforcement
Policy/Regulatory