Legal Definitions - bawdy house

A bawdy house is a legal term for a place, such as a building or apartment, that is regularly used for prostitution or other illicit sexual activities. It is considered a type of "disorderly house" because its operation often creates a public nuisance, disturbs the peace, or violates community standards of morality and order.

Here are some examples illustrating how this term applies:

• Scenario: In a bustling urban area, an unmarked apartment on the third floor of a residential building is discovered by authorities to be operating as a clandestine brothel. Local police had received anonymous tips about a constant stream of different visitors entering and leaving the apartment at unusual hours, and an investigation confirmed that sexual services were being offered for payment on a regular basis within the premises.

  Explanation: This apartment would be considered a bawdy house because it is a specific location systematically used for the purpose of prostitution, thereby creating a public nuisance and violating laws against organized illicit sexual activity.

• Scenario: A business advertised as a "gentlemen's club" in a commercial district appears to be a legitimate establishment. However, an undercover investigation reveals that while some entertainment is provided, the primary source of income for the establishment comes from employees regularly engaging in sexual acts with patrons in private rooms, in exchange for money.

  Explanation: Despite its outward appearance as an entertainment venue, this "gentlemen's club" functions as a bawdy house because it consistently facilitates and profits from prostitution, making it a place where illicit sexual activity is systematically conducted.

• Scenario: A seemingly ordinary house in a quiet suburban neighborhood becomes the subject of numerous complaints from neighbors. Residents report frequent loud parties, a high volume of unfamiliar vehicles coming and going at all hours, and suspicious activity. A police raid confirms that the homeowner is regularly hosting events where individuals are paid for sexual favors, turning the residence into a hub for organized prostitution.

  Explanation: This private residence, despite being a home, would be classified as a bawdy house due to its consistent and organized use as a venue for prostitution, which disrupts the peace and order of the neighborhood and violates public decency laws.