Intentional Exposure?

Question

I'd like to know what people think...if a person has an STD and does not inform their partner of their status before sexual relations occur, should they face criminal charges? If so, what do you think the minimum charge should be?

Do you think that people with HIV or AIDS who deliberately expose their partner to it face attempted murder charges?

I'm not talking about unknown or accidental circumstances here. I'm talking about people who already know but do not tell their partner for whatever reason.

Feedback? Let's hear it.

Personally, I believe that a person SHOULD be charged. I just want to know what others think.

Answer 1

In the case of intentionally exposing someone to HIV/AIDS, I definitely think that the person who originally had the disease should be charged with murder. If the second person contracts the disease, then they were murdered. The disease WILL kill them. Granted, the defendant could say that there is no gaurantee that the plaintiff would catch the disease...but if you aim to shoot someone, there is no guarantee that the bullet will strike them. Having sex with someone, KNOWING that you have a deadly STD is definite calculated intent, which is all you need for it to be murder.

If you have sex with someone and you have an STD that won't kill, but cannot be cured, such as herpes...I think that the defendant should be charged with something like assault. The plaintiff should have used more precaution, but it is still not to be assumed that someone would knowingly give them a disease.

People should be punished for intentionally harming someone else, to the fullest extent of the law.

Answer 2

I agree with the person giving the first answer, If you have HIV or AIDS, and knowingly and deliberatly expose your partner, that at the least be charged with attemped murder. Years ago, if I recall correctly , I read that a person with AIDS was scuffling with a police officer, arrested and was being handcuffed when he spit on the officer. I believe he was charged with attempted murder, because he knew he had AIDS. Holding information like that from your partner is intolerable.