Human Trafficking and Prostitution Courts: Problem Solving or Problematic?

Source: Becca Kendis, Human Trafficking and Prostitution Courts: Problem Solving or Problematic?, 68 Case W. Res. L. Rev. 805 (2019) Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/caselrev/vol69/iss3/10

Sex Work: The term sex work is typically used to describe voluntary engagement in commercial sex acts. Some sex workers make a fully autonomous choice to engage in this work: they choose sex work over (or in addition to) other employment options, they have control over their own profits and finances, they engage in autonomous decision- making in regards to their customers and logistics of the exchange, they feel free to stop engaging in sex work at any time, and they do not experience force, fraud, or coercion of any degree. Often, however, sex workers face limited or constrained control in at least some of these areas. The term “sex work” has also been used to “describe those involved in commercial sex as a form of labor, regardless of whether commercial sex involvement is a constrained choice or to meet survival needs or whether any vulnerability is present.” This broader definition overlaps with CSE. This Comment will attempt to limit use of the term “sex work” to fully autonomous engagement, while recognizing that this line is rarely clear.