Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Bringing a woman across state lines for purpose of sex

I just have a simple question. I am a college student and I remember in a class, the professor mentioned a law that interested me. He said something about: that it was illegal for a man to bring a woman across state lines for the purpose of having sexual intercourse with her. I just wanted to know if that applied to all states in the U.S. and also, if there was a name of this law. Thank you.


Asked on 12/08/02, 6:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: Bringing a woman across state lines for purpose of sex

Thanks for your inquiry.

You seem a little confused, but what I believe you've described is a federal law, known as the Mann Act. The Mann Act was enacted by Congress through its power to regulate interstate commerce, as a means of addressing the problem of prostitution and immorality in general.

The Act is part of the United States Code, title 18, and the text is as follows:

18 USCS @ 2421 (1994) @ 2421.

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH P.L. 103-321, APPROVED

8/26/94 ***

TITLE 18. CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE PART I. CRIMES

CHAPTER 117. TRANSPORTATION FOR ILLEGAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND

RELATED CRIMES @ 2421.

Transportation generally

Whoever knowingly transports any individual in interstate or

foreign commerce, or in any Territory or Possession of the United

States, with intent that such individual engage in prostitution,

or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged

with a criminal offense, shall be fined under this title or

imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

Also, be sure to pay closer attention in class next time!

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Answered on 12/09/02, 8:19 pm


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