Scotland's Crown Office Releases STI Transmission and Exposure Prosecutorial Policy

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) of Scotland today issued guidance on intentional or reckless sexual transmission of, or exposure to, sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The policy was drafted with consultation from public health officials, medical professionals and national advocacy groups, and sets forth clear guidance to prosecutors on cases where there is alleged transmission of, or exposure to, STIs. The Crown Office is one of the first prosecutor groups worldwide to provide a written policy on this issue. HIV/AIDS advocacy groups in Scotland are commending the Crown Office for working towards clarity and consistency in this area of the law and for creating guidelines that do not single out HIV for special treatment, unlike the dozens of HIV-specific statutes that exist and are enforced in the United States.

The full policy can be read here.