The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a law designed to lower the criminal sanctions associated with teen sexting. Under the proposed law, anyone under the age of 18 who sends a sexually explicit depiction of himself or another minor to another person who is under the age of 18 will be guilty of a second degree misdemeanor. Additionally, the proposed law decriminalizes a minor’s...
In the News: Adam Walsh Act may punish teens for sexting
Beginning in July 2009, teens caught “sexting” may be charged with a federal sex crime. Under the Adam Walsh Act, any person who creates and/or sends a nude picture of a minor may be charged with a felony. In its current form, the law does not create an exception for minors or for children who take and send pictures of themselves. For more information, go to: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/19192772/detail.html...
In the News: Mass DA handles sexting without criminal charges
While prosecutors in other states have filed criminal charges against teens involved in sexting incidents, the district attorney in Berkshire, Massachusetts has launched an initiative to deal with the phenomenon outside of the justice system. D.A. David F. Capeless is working with local television stations to air programming that shows the dangers of sexting. D.A. Capeless hopes to stop the sexting craze without saddling the teens with criminal...