Child Porn definition?

[Lynda/WA]

The post about thoughts brought up child porn. That was a topic on the radio talk show once and the host brought up some interesting points that really got me thinking. Mainly his points were with the use of computers and how things can be manipulated.

If you have an 18 yr old that looks like a 14 yr old should that be considered porn? How about if you take an 18yr olds body picture and use a computer to impose a 14 yr olds face on it. How about if the picture is completely hypothetical. No real person was used to make the picture just a computer? What about when you factor in the other discrepencies in our laws. As stated in my other question a 14 yr old can consent in Hawaii. A 15 yr old just got married. Would it be illegal for her husband to take a picture of her if he never showed it to anyone? Would it be illegal for someone to make a picture of a hypothetical person on their computer and never show it to anyone?

Don't misinterpret what I'm asking please!! I agree that children should never ever be misused and I think anyone that desires children has a problem. I am asking about in a legal sense only. Where do we draw the legal (not moral)line?

[Amy2]

Gosh, Linda, that is such a tough question. Personally, I believe if the "consumer" is meant to believe that the picture is that of a child, it should be considered a child regardless of the actual age of the model. Same with computer generated pictures. I guess I am a total hypocrit, after posting my opinions of Freedom of Speech, but when it's children...I'm sorry, I just can't help but feel it is our obligation to protect them whatever the cost. Amy

[Lynda/WA]

OK, so if allowing people to create computer generated pictures of children will prevent them from using real children then what?
One of the ways to teach people from taking their agression out on others is to have them take it out in an acceptable way. For example - punch a pillow instead of a person.

At one time we refused to believe a new mother could want to kill her own child. Now we are finding out that it is real, accepting the problem and getting them help BEFORE the child is hurt.

If its the actions that count wouldn't it be better to have their fantasies directed at fakes then at the child down the street?

I don't know enough about pedophiles to give exact answers. I read/watch alot about true crime but this is one topic that can really turn my stomache so I avoid details. It's entirely possible that a computer generated picture will leave them wanting more instead of prevent them from seeking out a real child.