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Prostitution, Essential and Incidental Aspects: A Libertarian Argument for Legalization

Author

Listed:
  • Varricchio Marino

    (Master of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Cevro Institute; Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Block Walter E.

    (Ph. D., Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair and Professor of Economics, Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business; Loyola University New Orleans, 6363 St. Charles Avenue, Box 15, Miller Hall 318, New Orleans, LA 70118)

Abstract

Prostitution is often depicted as an aggressive and coercive activity. We have convincing empirical evidence that sometimes this is indeed the case. However, this is not sufficient to make it illegal. We argue that an activity should be outlawed if and only if it is essentially aggressive and/or coercive. But prostitution is not inherently violent, only incidentally. Indeed, prostitution could be defined as “the act of rendering, from the client’s point of view, non-reproductive sex against payment” (Edlund and Korn, 2002). No aggression and/or coercion necessarily enters this all-inclusive definition. This is why prostitution should be legalized laws to the contrary repealed.

Suggested Citation

  • Varricchio Marino & Block Walter E., 2018. "Prostitution, Essential and Incidental Aspects: A Libertarian Argument for Legalization," Acta Economica Et Turistica, Sciendo, vol. 4(2), pages 125-133, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:acectu:v:4:y:2018:i:2:p:125-133:n:2
    DOI: 10.1515/aet-2018-0009
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    prostitution; freedom; libertarianism; feminism;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J46 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Informal Labor Market
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law

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