Evidence versus politics : exploiting research in UK drug policy making / by Mark Monaghan.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 161-179) and index.

The origins and reach of the evidence movement -- The two communities of evidence and policy, the challenge of politics and theimpact of the media -- Competition, conflict and controversy in the making of UK drug classification policy -- Developing tools for exploring 'evidence' in politicised policy areas --The nature of evidence in a politicised policy area -- The utilisation of evidence in a politicised policy area -- Conceptualising and modelling evidence use in politicised policy areas.

The initial enthusiasm for the evidence-based policy agenda has recently been replaced with increasing scepticism. Critics point out that 'policy-based evidence' characterises the relationship more accurately. Analysing the role and nature of evidence in the context of UK drug policy and drawing on a range of theories of the policy process and research utilisation, this book pursues an alternative route for conceptualising the evidence and policy connection, which moves beyond zero-sum statements of evidence-based policy and policy-based evidence. It will be essential reading for students and researchers in public policy and criminology.