In re P.
New York Family Court
400 N.Y.S.2d 455 (1977)
- Written by Darius Dehghan, JD
Facts
New York law criminalized the act of prostitution, which was defined as engaging in sexual acts for money. The act of patronizing a prostitute was also criminalized under New York law. Statistical evidence indicated that although 3,219 arrests were made for prostitution, only 62 people were charged with patronizing a prostitute. Moreover, of the 2,944 female prostitutes arrested, only 60 of their male patrons were charged. The government (plaintiff) charged P. (defendant), a 14-year-old female, with prostitution. P. moved to dismiss the charge, contending that the prostitution laws violated the equal-protection principles contained in New York’s state constitution. The family court took the matter under advisement.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Taylor, J.)
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