View source for Legalization of Prostitution in the United States

In the United States, prostitution is fully legalized in 6 states (namely Nevada, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Arkansas) plus the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is decriminalized in a further 4 states (namely South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and California). It remains illegal in all other states. ''Decriminalization'' refers to a policy of reduced penalties for cannabis offenses, typically involving a civil penalty for possessing small amounts (similar to how a minor traffic violation is treated), instead of criminal prosecution or the threat of arrest. In jurisdictions without penalty the policy is referred to as ''legalization'', although the term ''decriminalization'' is sometimes used for this purpose as well.