NCJ Number
132405
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1990) Pages: 31-33,42-44
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Judges, because of their interactions with HIV-infected offenders and persons and their pivotal positions from which they can influence public attitudes and policies, need to be prime targets for AIDS education. An AIDS education program for judges has been implemented in Cook County, Illinois, the largest circuit court system in the nation.
Abstract
Judges need to be educated about the medical and legal aspects of AIDS in order to make informed rulings and sentencing decisions. Educated judges will also be able to set realistic workplace policies on AIDS and may possibly affect public health efforts to stem the spread of HIV infection. The AIDS education program for judges in Cook County consisted of 90 minute seminars conducted by AIDS educators who were also practicing attorneys within the Cook County court system. Medical topics covered included the origins of HIV, HIV transmission, current epidemiological statistics on AIDS, and HIV prevention. Legal topics included in the training were statutory law in Illinois regarding mandatory HIV testing, case precedent regarding reporting and confidentiality of HIV test results, and State and Federal law prohibiting discrimination against HIV-infected persons. The course also described available clinical, legal, and social services in the county. An evaluation of the program suggested that it was successful in increasing both medical and legal knowledge of AIDS among judges.