The medical background of the AIDS and HIV health emergency is provided, along with an introduction to other infectious diseases. Articles are presented on the following issues: the current health emergency of AIDS; medical principles relating to AIDS; and the politics, pressure groups, and pandemic. Legal issues in the AIDS emergency, such as employment and education discrimination, family law, insurance coverage, health care, criminal law and prisoners, tort liability, and public health safety and concerns are discussed. Immigration issues and international health controls are explored in relation to AIDS.