Amending Old Laws to Punish New Governors

The Mann Act was passed in 1910 its purpose was to prosecute people who were within the business of trafficking young girls for the suggests that of prostitution across state lines. This law was set into motion to combat immigrants who kidnapped girls and forced them to work into brothels. The official title of the law is White Slave Traffic Act, because the women that were kidnapped were driven to prostitution out of fear. The law could be a product of its time, however since 1910 it has undergone a couple of Amendments to keep it vital to fashionable times.

The present interest in the Mann Act has been sparked by New York’s Governor Eliot Spitzer. Prosecutors are considering charging Governor Spitzer of violating the law. Although, Governor Spitzer is the foremost current celebrity to be linked to the Mann Act he is not the sole one.  African Yank boxer Jack Johnson, film star Charlie Chaplin, and musician Chuck Berry have all been prosecuted below the Mann Act. Jack Johnson received the maximum sentence of 1 year and one day. Mr. Johnson’s conviction has been imagined to be a racist act, as a result of the woman he was transporting was his white girlfriend. Charlie Chaplin was charged, however not found guilty. Chuck Berry served 5 years for a variety of different charges moreover as the Mann Act. In Mr. Berry’s case it was a young Apache woman that he contracted to work at his club as a hat check lady who was later convicted with prostitution.

The Mann Act’s first amendment occurred in 1978 when it included in the transportation of minors for each male and feminine sexes. In 1986 the protection of minors was furthered along with replacing out dated terminology. The 1986 change replaced “debauchery” and “any alternative immoral purpose” for “any sexual activity for that someone will be charged with a criminal offense.”

The Mann Act has acted as a tool for social stigma being the case with Johnson and Chaplin. It’s understandable that federal prosecutors would wish to charge Spitzer with the Mann Act for degrading his reputable position. If he is found guilty under some nuance of the Mann Act it might undoubtedly be federal prosecutors making an example of him. For the governor of such a huge state to be involved with any criminal activity is unacceptable.

The Mann Act has been used as a slap on the hand within the past, but it should not be abused to shame people. Spitzer is stepping down from office and has to figure through the damages his decisions are going to take on his marriage. He will be put on trial and convicted for soliciting prostitution. There is no want for public flogging anymore, thus there shouldn’t be a pressure to charge him of the Mann Act. Society has evolved beyond the point of cruelty and shame as a form of punishment. The man is ashamed enough of what he has done, thus why should there be a would like to reproach him any additional on the matter.

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