DRUGS AND DRIVING IN IRELAND - FORENSIC SCIENCE AND THE LAW

The current law in Ireland for Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is based on confirming the presence of the drug and evidence of impairment, and this is also the position of the majority of countries across Europe. All jurisdictions require the matching of science and law to address the updating of DUID legislation. Harmonization of these laws is not achievable in the short term. Particular questions to be addressed are: (1) impairment versus zero tolerance; (2) the provision of the appropriate body fluids specimens; (3) regard to the meaning of the term "as soon as practicable" in forensic analysis; and (4) an audit on the number of successful prosecutions in cases where the presence of drugs have been confirmed. Education and consistency in the prosecutorial services and amongst the judiciary are sensitive areas, but must be tackled as part of any realistic audit of effectiveness of road and safety policies and DUID.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 187-190

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00983115
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 9287155038
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Dec 20 2004 12:00AM