A Crime Against Common Sense: How Louisiana's Implementation of the Adam Walsh Act Exposes the Law's Most Significant Flaw

Comment by Kelsey Meeks Duncan

In Louisiana, hundreds of people are required to register as sex offenders for committing a crime that is neither violent, predatory, nor against children. Prostitutes who offer (or solicitors seeking) vaginal sex are convicted of prostitution, whereas prostitutes offering (or solicitors seeking) oral or anal sex may be convicted of “Crime against nature” and must register as sex offenders. This Comment explores how Louisiana's implementation of the flawed Adam Walsh Act has led to the senseless mislabeling of those convicted of “Crime against nature” as sex offenders. More than merely recognizing the problem, this Comment offers a practical solution.


About the Author

Kelsey Meeks Duncan. J.D. candidate 2010, Tulane University School of Law; B.A. 2005, University of Southern Mississippi.

Citation

84 Tul. L. Rev. 429 (2009)