Prostitute Law and Legal Definition
Prostitute is a person who receives payment for sexual intercourse or other sexual acts. This is generally taken as a regular occupation. Although usually a prostitute refers to a woman offering sexual favors to men, there are male prostitutes who may perform homosexual acts for money or receive payment from women for sexual services.
Prostitution is held illegal in all states except Nevada, where it is strictly regulated. Some state statutes punish the act of prostitution, and other state statutes criminalize the acts of soliciting prostitution, arranging for prostitution, and operating a house of prostitution. Pursuant to 18 USCS § 2421, on federal level it is a crime to transport a person in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of prostitution or for any other immoral purpose.
