The Medicolegal Aspects of Alcohol FSCT 8230

This course examines the pharmacological and physiological effects of alcohol consumption on the human body. The theoretical basis and practical applications of various technologies, both laboratory based and field use based, that are currently utilized to determine blood alcohol concentration in the body will be thoroughly reviewed. Students will be given practical training in the usage of Approved Screening Devices and Evidentiary Breath Testing Instruments. Actual application and interpretation of the obtained blood alcohol concentration results within a courtroom setting will also be discussed and further reinforced by use of sample case studies.

• Describe the pharmacological effect of alcohol at various blood alcohol concentrations on both mental and physical activities and the factors relating to each.
• Define and distinguish between impairment vs. intoxication.
• Describe the physiological effects of alcohol in terms of absorption into, distribution in, and elimination of alcohol from the human body and the various factors relating to each.
• Based on physiological considerations, calculate expected blood alcohol concentrations based on theoretical drinking situations.
• Describe the scientific considerations and the process of collecting a blood sample for blood alcohol analysis.
• Describe and discuss the merits of the various technologies available to determine a blood alcohol concentration from a blood sample on the basis of accuracy, precision, and cost.
• Describe the scientific considerations and the process of collecting a breath sample for blood alcohol analysis.
• Describe and discuss the merits of the various technologies available to determine a blood alcohol concentration from a breath sample on the basis of accuracy, precision, and cost.
• Discuss the role of the Alcohol Test Committee of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science and the critical importance of setting forensically acceptable standards and procedures for determining blood alcohol concentrations within the scientific community in Canada.
• Describe the application and interpretation of the results of blood alcohol concentration analyses in a courtroom setting from both a Crown Counsel's perspective and a Defence Counsel's perspective.
• Describe the use and application of standardized field sobriety tests in assisting police officers to detecting possible impaired drivers.
• Identify current trends in breath testing and list their advantages and disadvantages.

Effective as of Fall 2019