Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offences: Why Everyone Loses

There has recently been a movement on the part of the newly elected federal government to consider mandatory sentences and stiff penalties for drug offenders. However, scientific evidence indicates that mandatory minimum sentences only worsen the health-related harms associated with incarceration by increasing the transmission of infectious disease in prisons.

Prison Needle Exchange: Lessons from a Comprehensive Review of International Evidence and Experience (Second Edition, 2006)

This report examines the issue of prison needle exchange based upon the international experience and evidence current to April 2006. The authors undertook a literature review, visited prisons in four countries, and corresponded with people responsible for administering prison needle exchange programs. The report provides a comprehensive review of the evidentiary and legal basis for … Read more

HIV/AIDS Policy and Law Review 11(1) April 2006

FEATURE Scaling up HIV testing: human rights and hidden costs CANADIAN DEVELOPMENTS Health Canada authorizes access to experimental HIV drugs, but only after a long struggle Question period: how will Canada’s new minority government approach HIV/AIDS? HIV-positive woman suing police, man who allegedly infected her and his family Medical marijuana users continue to experience legal … Read more

Courting Rights: Case Studies in Litigating the Human Rights of People Living with HIV

This publication summarizes selected cases in three thematic areas where there has been considerable litigation aimed at protecting and promoting the human rights of people living with HIV, namely: HIV-related discrimination; access to HIV-related treatment; and HIV prevention and care in prisons. This publication has been produced by HIV and human rights advocates and activists … Read more

Network News 22 – March 2006

In this issue: Canada Votes 2006 Legal Network advises CARICOM on legal services Legal Network staff attend Foreign Affairs Canada consultation Bringing the voices of people who use drugs to the national stage “Sex, work, rights” at Alberta Harm Reduction Conference Sex work presentation to PHAC Montréal event highlights situation of homeless people The Legal … Read more