Criminalising Contagion: Legal and Ethical Challenges of Disease Transmission and the Criminal Law

Description

The use of the criminal law to punish those who transmit disease is a topical and controversial issue. To date, the law, and the related academic literature, has largely focused on HIV transmission. With contributions from leading practitioners and international scholars from a variety of disciplines, this volume explores the broader question of if and when it is appropriate to criminalise the transmission of contagion. The scope and application of the laws in jurisdictions such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Norway are considered, historical comparisons are examined, and options for the further development of the law are proposed.

Catherine Stanton is a Lecturer in Law at the University of Manchester. Hannah Quirk is Senior Lecturer in Criminal Law and Justice at the University of Manchester.

'This outstanding book is a must read for all those interested in this topic, and indeed beyond, as it raises issues fundamental to society as a whole, in the light of emerging diseases ... To conclude, I have no hesitation in recommending this thought-provoking collection to scholars, students, and all interested in this fascinating and complex area.' Glenys Williams, Medical Law Review