Ecological models of the determinants of health and the consequent importance of structural interventions have been widely accepted, but using these models in research and practice has been challenging. Examining the role of criminal law enforcement in the "risk environment" of injection drug users (IDUs) provides an opportunity to apply structural thinking to the health problems associated with drug use. This article reviews international evidence that laws and law enforcement practices influence IDU risk. It argues that more research is needed at four levels--laws; management of law enforcement agencies; knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of frontline officers; and attitudes and experiences of IDUs--and that such research can be the basis of interventions within law enforcement to enhance IDU health.

Books can be purchased from the Harvard Medical Coop (333 Longwood Avenue). At the end of the course the student will be able to: • Analyze rights related to health in international and national human rights documents and application of these rights to work of public health • Evaluate different approaches to institution's promotion, monitoring, and implementation of human rights norms and analyze the value for health policies and programs • Apply human rights concepts and a human rights methodology to the analysis of health policies and programs • Conceptualize and apply a vulnerability and human rights analysis to health • Apply human rights concepts and a human rights approach to public health work Class Format Classes will consist of a background lecture, discussion of assigned readings, and case studies. Class meets on Wednesdays from 1:30-4:20 p.m. in Kresge 201. We will usually take a 10-minute break midway through the class. Class 1 (September 6) Part 1: Introduction To The Course The objectives, structure, readings, and assignments of the course will be presented. The underlying propositions and conceptual framework for the course will be discussed. The basic trends and developments in health and human rights will be briefly reviewed. Part 2: Human Rights Instruments And Core Principles The core principles of modern human rights thinking and practice will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the instruments comprising the International Bill of Human Rights.

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Criminal law is one of the regulatory tools being used in the United States to influence risk behavior by people who have HIV/AIDS. Several different types of laws have been or could be used in this way These include:HIV-specific exposure and transmission laws — i.e., laws that explicitly mention and exclusively apply to conduct by people with HIV;public health statutes prohibiting conduct that would expose others to communicable diseases and/or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); andgeneral criminal laws governing attempted murder and assault.

Background-Homemade amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) have been reported in Russia and Eastern Europe for decades. Recipes differ geographically and over time producing differing active ingredients. Vint and jeff (active ingredients methamphetamine and methcathinone, respectively) are two such homemade ATSs originally produced from over-the-counter cold medications and household chemicals.