Legal Power and Legal Rights — Isolation and Quarantine in the Case of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Abstract

The recent case of Andrew Speaker has focused attention on the role of compulsory isolation and quarantine in tuberculosis control. Wendy Parmet writes that lost in the debate was the recognition of legal checks on the use of compulsory isolation and quarantine as well as the importance of such checks. Wendy Parmet discusses the case of Andrew Speaker and the appropriate use of legal and public health tools to interrupt transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. Wendy Parmet is a professor of law at Northeastern University School of Law, Boston.