Prostitution

Prostitution: the act of providing sexual services in exchange for money; has existed in society longer than many realize. Commonly referred to as the worlds oldest profession, prostitution dates back to biblical times. The issue at hand is not whether the act of prostitution is immoral; but rather, is prostitution a crime? Is it a crime when two consenting adults have sex? Why should the fact that money has been exchanged in return for sexual services make the act a crime? The attempt to suppress prostitution has been made for centuries; however, the profession not only remains but also continues to thrive. Only through the legalization of prostitution are we then better able to control other crimes that are closely associated. So, what should the legal status of prostitution be? Should prostitution continue to be a criminal offense? Should prostitution be decriminalized or legalized? In order to make a determination, we must first understand the different meanings. According to the legal dictionary at Law.com, a crime is defined as a violation of a law in which there is injury to the public or a member of the public and a term in jail or prison, and/or a fine as possible penalties. Criminalizing sexual activities is an oppressive restriction of our individual liberty and denial of our freedom. Decriminalization (or tolerance) is the repeal or amendment of statutes that made certain acts criminal, so that those acts no longer are crimes subject to prosecution. On the other hand, legalization (or regulation) removes a legal prohibition against something that is currently illegal. Decriminalizing or simply tolerating prostitution is not enough. Legalization is the only way to refine prostitution and the criminal acts closely associated. Legalization will allow for safer environments for prostitutes, provide health screenings, reduce the widespread victimization of prostitutes and eliminate criminals trafficking in women and children. Countless

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