Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
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.
Findings/Key points
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.
Design/methods
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).
