[sweetliberty]

Doesn't intent play into the equation legally?

[Dark Knight]

Of course intent is important. I disagree with a few persons here on that point. Some with debating style and some that don't know what they feel. In order to attempt a crime, you have to make a substantial step toward committing it. Hookers are often mentioned and it is an easy crime. If you do sex for money, it is a crime.

John format. Police lady with appropriate outfit, hangs around street corner and talks to cruising guys. If the guy talks about a particular act, and offers to pay...bingo, lights in your eyes and then a guy says out of the car.

Hooker format. Jane Doe contacts Joe Policeman in his unmarked car. She says "Hey baby, how about a date?" He says "Well, how much?" She says, "You have to say that you have never worked for and are not working now for a police department!" He says "Not me, baby," knowing that he can lie about that until the cows come home. She says "Okay, around the world will be fifty." If and only if, he can enumerate that around the world is a specific sex act, and fifty is a price, he can arrest her for prostitution.

Scott Ritter, from all accounts, had the intent but had no victim. How can you make a substantial step to committing the crime, if the underage person (14 or 16) you contact is 21+ years old?

I keep getting mostly emotional responses from people. I know their emotions are valid but not useful in convicting these pathetic creatures.

DK

[Dark Knight]

Of course intent is important. I disagree with a few persons here on that point. Some with debating style and some that don't know what they feel. In order to attempt a crime, you have to make a substantial step toward committing it. Hookers are often mentioned and it is an easy crime. If you do sex for money, it is a crime.

John format. Police lady with appropriate outfit, hangs around street corner and talks to cruising guys. If the guy talks about a particular act, and offers to pay...bingo, lights in your eyes and then a guy says out of the car.

Hooker format. Jane Doe contacts Joe Policeman in his unmarked car. She says "Hey baby, how about a date?" He says "Well, how much?" She says, "You have to say that you have never worked for and are not working now for a police department!" He says "Not me, baby," knowing that he can lie about that until the cows come home. She says "Okay, around the world will be fifty." If and only if, he can enumerate that around the world is a specific sex act, and fifty is a price, he can arrest her for prostitution.

Scott Ritter, from all accounts, had the intent but had no victim. How can you make a substantial step to committing the crime, if the underage person (14 or 16) you contact is 21+ years old?

I keep getting mostly emotional responses from people. I know their emotions are valid but not useful in convicting these pathetic creatures.

DK

[Dark Knight]

Sorry,
I wish a double post would cement the logic, but it was just a mistake. I wish people here were more willing to admit mistakes, but that is another issue.

DK