Epidemiology has often been defined as the study of the distribution of disease, together with the distribution of factors that may modify that risk of disease. As such, epidemiology has often been reduced to a methodology only, providing a mechanism for the study of disease that is somehow removed, separate and apart from the populations that serve as its focus. Epidemiology, however, is much more than that. The discipline p- vides a way of perceiving and knowing the world, and of relating to the c- munities whose health and disease patterns we are trying to understand. As such, its usefulness extends past the construction of questionnaires, the detective work inherent in tracing the source of an infection or the analysis of data. Rather, epidemiology serves as a point of reference and a linkage between various domains of reality: in the courtroom, between a com- nity's injuries and those alleged to be responsible for those violations; between the community striving to effectuate changes to improve its health and environment and the lawmakers and policymakers whose actions may dictate or control the likelihood of that change; and between mainstream populations and those who become or remain marginalized and stigmatized due to disease or perceived disease.

Provides a methodology for perceiving the world and relating to the communities whose health and disease patterns need to be understood Focuses on the use of the epidemiology in the legal context, using case studies to illustrate the issues raised Challenges the boundaries about what epidemiology is and how it is to be used to make a contribution to the groups it studies

Autorentext

Sana Loue, JD, PhD, MPH, MSSA, MA, LISW-S, CST-T, AVT is a professor in the Department of Bioethics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds secondary appointments in the departments of Psychiatry, Global Health, and Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, as well as in social work at the university's school of social work. Dr. Loue holds degrees in law (JD), epidemiology (PhD), medical anthropology (PhD), social work (MSSA), public health (MPH), education (MA), theology (MA), and history (MA). Dr. Loue served as the medical school's inaugural Vice Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity from 2012 to 2020. Dr. Loue has been privileged to conduct research in Laos, Russia, Romania, Tajikistan, and Uganda, and to engage with audiences on issues including the ethical conduct of research, professional development, and diversity in Canada, Chile, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Romania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Tajikistan, and Vietnam. She has mentored U.S.-based and international graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty for more than 20 years. Dr. Loue's past research in both the domestic and international contexts has focused on HIV risk and prevention, severe mental illness, family violence, and research ethics. Her current research addresses the interplay between religion, society, and bioethics; the integration of cultural humility into clinical care and research settings; and past and current formulations of eugenics. She has authored or edited more than 30 books and has authored/co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Inhalt
Epidemiology in the Courtroom.- Case Study One.- Case Study Two.- Epidemiology, Legislation, and Rulemaking.- Case Study Three.- Case Study Four.- Law, Epidemiology, and Community Organization and Advocacy.- Case Study Five.- Case Study Six.- Epidemiology, Law, and Social Context.- Case Study Seven.- Case Study Eight.