Although this book begins with a historical perspective, emphasis is on contemporary issues, with the persecution of witches serving as a metaphor for the demonization and persecution of modern-day women through punitive drug laws that shape social service and medical policy in Canada, Britain, and the US. Author Susan Boyd, a professor at the University of Victoria, BC, holds a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and a PhD in criminology; she is also an activist working with drug users. Drawing on the framework of feminist sociology and the social constructionist perspective, Boyd argues that drug laws and policies are targeted toward gender, race, and class and looks specifically at the connection between the war on drugs and the regulation of women’s bodies and reproduction. Some subjects explored include the war on drugs and the restructuring of prisons, cannabis drug war activists, narcoterrorism, welfare reform in the US, drug courts in Britain, and sex work and drug dealing. The final chapter analyzes US international policy and the war in Colombia. This second edition reflects new research, statistics, policy, law, and political events. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)