Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure: Science, Society and the Law

Legal Seminar hosted by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network

Spaces are limited. Register early to secure your spot.

Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

In the last ten years there has been a dramatic escalation in the frequency and severity of charges with respect to HIV non-disclosure in Canada.Over 120 people living with HIV have being charged in less than 15 years, including at least 12 cases in British Columbia, and one case, R v. Mabior, is now on its way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

HIV non-disclosure prosecutions are often very complex and sensitive. They involve complicated scientific evidence with respect to the risk of HIV transmission, and the legal test (articulated in R. v. Cuerrier, SCC 1998) has yet to be clarified by Canadian courts. There are also serious concerns regarding the vagueness of this area of the law and the broad and inconsistent application of the law, and the impact this has had on HIV prevention efforts.

As a judge, a crown counsel or a defence lawyer, what do you need to know before a legal case lands on your doorstep?Join us for this free legal seminar designed for legal professionals to explore common questions about this important trend and get the answers you need from medical experts who know the science and legal experts with experience working on key cases related to HIV non-disclosure.

TOPICS:

• Recent legal developments involving HIV non-disclosure criminal cases in British Columbia and Canada;
• Current scientific evidence on HIV transmission and treatment;
• Social context of HIV and the impacts of criminalization on communities affected by HIV; and,
• Development of prosecutorial guidelines for cases of HIV non-disclosure.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:

• Janet Dickie, Crown Counsel, British Columbia Ministry of Attorney General
• Jason Gratl, defence lawyer, Gratl and Company
• Dr. Julio Montaner, Director of the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and Past-President of the International AIDS Society.
• David Eby, Executive Director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
• Richard Elliott, Executive Director of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
• Cecile Kazatchkine, Policy Analyst for the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network

If you have any questions, please contact Lindsey Amèrica-Simms at lsimms@aidslaw.ca or 416-595-1666 ext. 236 for more information.

For tickets: http://criminalization.eventbrite.com

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** This seminar qualifies for 2.25 hours of Continuing Professional Development credits with the Law Society of British Columbia **