Setting the Stage for Public Health: The Role of Litigation in Controlling Obesity

13 Pages Posted: 11 Jan 2007

See all articles by Jason A. Smith

Jason A. Smith

CSU East Bay, Department of Public Health

Abstract

Litigation can be a central strategy in improving public health. It was instrumental in initiating a public health response to tobacco and to other chronic problems. Just as litigation was successful in confronting these public health problems, so can it be with obesity. Litigation as a tool to improve public health is effective only when its strategic focus is environmental rather than discrete. It is effective not only when it eliminates one particular risk but when it alters the social context that shapes the behavior of entire populations.

Keywords: law, litigation, public health, obesity, arkansas, tobacco, pelman, mcdonalds

Suggested Citation

Smith, Jason A., Setting the Stage for Public Health: The Role of Litigation in Controlling Obesity. University of Arkansas Law Review, Vol. 28, p. 443, 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=956156

Jason A. Smith (Contact Author)

CSU East Bay, Department of Public Health ( email )

25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward, CA California 94542
United States

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