Modern Day Slavery: Framing Effective Solutions for an Age-Old Problem

Abstract

This article limits its examination to three legal approaches to addressing modern-day slavery: the thirteenth Amendment, the civil component of RICO, and the VTVPA as amended in 2003, focusing on both their strengths and weaknesses. Section I examines the applicability and effectiveness of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution. Section II will examine the extent to which the civil component of RICO may be invoked by victims in trafficking cases. Section III will review and assess the effectiveness of the VTVPA in interdicting trafficking and redressing the injuries of trafficking victims.

Keywords: human trafficking, de jure slavery, thirteenth amendment, civil RICO, federal anti-trafficking legislation

JEL Classification: J61, K1, Ki4, K10, K19, K30, K39