When evidence and politics collide: The David Nutt affair

On 14 September, 2015, the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies hosted a roundtable meeting where we heard from Dr Deborah Drake (The Open University) and Professor Reece Walters (Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane).

They discussed their research into the David Nutt affair. Drawing on interviews conducted with many of the key players, they conclude that high-stakes political issues can open up unprecedented opportunities for critical voices to engage in unbridled critique and to mobilise movements of dissent.

Professor Nutt was also in attendance and gave his thoughts and reflections on the lessons learned from the 2009 events and the current prospects for evidence-informed policy.

Footage from the seminar can be viewed below: