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

Content: Criminal Prostitution Law | Justia
Justia Criminal Law Types of Criminal Offenses Sex Crimes Prostitution
Prostitution
Sometimes called the “world’s oldest profession,” prostitution is broadly defined as the exchange of sexual activity for money, although definitions and laws vary among jurisdictions. It is prohibited throughout the United States, except in 12 of Nevada’s 16 counties. A variety of different legal models exist around the world, including total bans, bans that only target the customers, laws permitting prostitution but prohibiting organizations like brothels, and laws that permit both prostitution and organizations. Laws regarding prostitution and the local and national level are often closely related to laws and international treaties regarding human trafficking. Prostitution is considered a form of “sex work,” and it is the subject of much advocacy and debate around the world. Definitions of Prostitution
Florida’s criminal code, to give one example, defines prostitution as “the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire.” Not all paid sexual activity is considered prostitution in all jurisdictions. The supreme courts of California and New Hampshire have held that the production of pornographic films, which involves paying performers to engage in sexual activity, is not prostitution under state law. The jurisdictions that do not allow such productions often treat them as a form of illegal obscenity rather than prostitution. The question of whether prostitution should remain illegal, or whether jurisdictions where it is legal should take further steps to prohibit it, is highly controversial.