Sexting and Freedom of Expression: A Comparative Approach
Kentucky Law Journal, Vol. 102, No. 1, 2013-2014
University of Louisville School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper Series No. 2014-09
45 Pages Posted: 9 May 2014
Date Written: May 7, 2014
Abstract
According to a recent poll, one in four American teens could be legally labeled a child pornographer. Nearly thirty percent of teens in this poll admitted to engaging in "sexting," which may expose them to criminal prosecution under existing child pornography laws. "Sexting" is the modern term given to "the practice of sending or posting sexually suggestive text messages and images, including nude or semi-nude photographs, via cellular telephones or over the Internet." It is an increasingly popular practice in the United States and abroad and, according to current child pornography laws, can result in teens serving long prison sentences and having to register as sex offenders.
Keywords: juvenile, pornography, sexting, sex offender, freedom of speech
JEL Classification: K10, K14
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation