Title: Criminal Prostitution Law | Justia
Headings: Prostitution
Prostitution
Definitions of Prostitution
State and Local Laws
Other Countries’ Laws
Human Trafficking Laws

Content: Proponents of treating prostitution as a legitimate form of sex work argue that it is a matter of human rights to allow consenting adults to decide for themselves how to make a living. They further note that no law has ever prevented prostitution, and that the goals of preventing human trafficking, child exploitation, and other forms of abuse are not helped by targeting adults who engage in prostitution freely. Opponents of legal prostitution argue that prostitution is inherently dehumanizing and damaging to those engaged in it. Arguments often focus on female sex workers, but men and transgender people are also involved in sex work. State and Local Laws
State and local laws in 49 U.S. states, as well as four Nevada counties, prohibit prostitution. Federal criminal laws address prostitution in the context of human trafficking, as discussed below, or with regard to acts occurring on federal property like military or naval bases. The 12 Nevada counties that allow prostitution require licensing, registration, and regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Prostitution laws often only address the specific acts of exchanging money for sex, or offering to do so. Prosecutors have brought down some prostitution rings by prosecuting them for offenses associated with criminal organizations, such as racketeering or tax evasion. Other Countries’ Laws
Many countries allow prostitution as a regulated business.