Abstract
In 2016 California passed Senate Bill 1322 (SB 1322), making it illegal for juveniles to be arrested for prostitution. California is just one state of several, which have recently moved to decriminalize prostitution for juveniles. However, Senate Bill 1322 was criticized by former California Assemblyman Travis Allen as being unnecessary and detrimental to law enforcement efforts. This thesis analyzes the changes implemented by SB 1322 arguing its benefits to juveniles exploited through prostitution. As such, this thesis asks does SB 1322 solve a legislative gap between prostitution and human trafficking legislation? Additionally, does SB 1322 provide protection that was previously absent, to exploited juveniles? This thesis utilizes information from academic articles and op-ed pieces focused on SB 1322 and commercially sexually exploited juveniles. The framework for this thesis will be socio-legal jurisprudence. The change implemented by Senate Bill 1322 is a necessary response to the social reality. Senate Bill 1322 brings state prostitution legislation in line with federal human trafficking legislation, considering how understanding exploited juveniles as victims affords them appropriate protections.