Disturbing article

[Deckard76]

I thought some here might be interested to read this. It is a link to an article covering how New Orleans is charging some sex workers as sex offenders.

Boing Boing overview:
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/01/19...-cops-use.html

Full article:
http://www.colorlines.com/article.php?ID=673

[nuglet]

I wonder if they will try to extend that prosecution / persecution to the Johns?

[SofaKingFun]

It's really not all that surprising when you take into account that Louisiana law is completely different than any of the other 49 states.

Louisiana uses what's known as Napoleanic Code whereas all of the other states base their laws under English common law.

Simply put, the common law is a system based on court precedent. Laws/statutes are interpreted in the proceedings and the ruling of one judge may influence or even control the ruling of another judge.

Louisiana law is different because the Napoleonic Code takes a civilian law approach. Civilian law is basically taking an existing law and having the presiding judge interpret the intent of that law and making a ruling based on that information --rather than following judicial precedent as is done in English common law.

It's a completely different animal than we're used to here. Combine that with the corruption which was rampant in the NO Police Dept, pre-Katrina, and it made for some interesting stories. Unbelievable and bizarre are an understatement. I don't see why this would be any different.