TY - JOUR T1 - Criminalisation of HIV transmission: an overview for clinicians JF - Sexually Transmitted Infections JO - Sex Transm Infect DO - 10.1136/sextrans-2017-053456 SP - sextrans-2017-053456 AU - Priyanka Saigal AU - Matthew Weait AU - Mary Poulton Y1 - 2018/05/02 UR - http://sti.bmj.com/content/early/2018/05/02/sextrans-2017-053456.abstract N2 - The law surrounding criminal liability for HIV transmission is complex, but informing patients of potential culpability is arguably1 part of our professional duty. The purpose of this summary is to simplify and guide clinicians by explaining the legal basis for criminalising HIV transmission, defining reckless transmission and discussing how disclosure, condoms and treatment as prevention (TasP) may impact criminal liability. Lastly, it discusses how this information can easily be conveyed to patients.HIV criminalisation refers to the investigation, prosecution and conviction of people for transmitting, or exposing others to HIV.2 In England and Wales, only the intentional or reckless transmission of HIV and deliberate (but unsuccessful) attempts to transmit are criminalised. In Scotland, however, where the legal system differs, reckless exposure may also be criminalised. ,3Most criminal offences require proof beyond reasonable doubt of three things. First, the prosecution must establish the requisite act, conduct or consequence (known as the actus reus). Second, it must prove that the defendant intended the consequence or acted recklessly (known as the mens rea). Third, it must disprove any valid defence that the defendant may raise. The applicable law in HIV criminalisation cases is the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, which enables prosecution of … ER -