Mann Act

English

Etymology

Named for the law's author, Congressman James Robert Mann.

Proper noun

Mann Act

1. (US, law) A federal law passed in 1910 prohibiting transportation of women across state lines for immoral purposes.
   • 2008 March 11, Eric Weiner, “The Long, Colorful History of the Mann Act”, in All Things Considered:

     Enacted during a time of great change and "moral panic," the Mann Act was originally designed to combat forced prostitution.