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Should Prostitution Should Not Be Legalized

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Prostitution is often referred to as the oldest profession. It is not a new topic in criminal justice and has remained controversial throughout history not only in the United States but also in other parts of the world. Prostitution, as stated in lecture, is defined as the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with a person for payment. There are many different types of prostitution ranging from street and brothel to virtual prostitution. Some prostitutes enter into this line of work willingly, whereas other women are forced into this field. Most of the controversy deals with violence and coercion associated with prostitution. Both sides make valid points as to why prostitution should or shouldn’t be legalized, however I personally think that prostitution should not be legalized. Over the past decade, the term sex trafficking has become commonplace. If prostitution were to become legal it would make penalties less severe for pimps and criminals who deal with prostitution, giving them more of a safe haven (Weitzer, 2011). Prostitution is not a victimless crime, as often portrayed in the media. A victimless crime is a crime where there is no apparent victim, pain, or injury. Most of the times this involves consenting individuals. In the majority of instances both parties enter into the transaction willingly. However, in other instances prostitutes can be forced or threatened into the act. Proponents of anti-legalization would argue that the prostitutes

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