Siocnarf, in the states all states have prostitution laws. Only in 1 state is it legal in select counties and regulated. Most laws concern engaging in prostitution, which is exchanging money for sex; or promoting prostitution, which is the handler of prostitution. The enforcement is quite arbitrary as most local police have more important things to do, but they do stings every now and then. Some municipalities have nothing to do, so they do stings more often than the rest. They make a big deal about it and feed the local papers with arrest. Suffolk County of New York, which is Long Island, just had a couple month sting which arrested 110 guys. Many of them are doctors, lawyers, accountants, and others who work in companies, etc. The prosecutor a woman made a big deal about human trafficking, which most girls who do this are not subject to. And you do hear about cases where guys are robbed or women are robbed, who engage in prostitution. And you know this would be less likely to happen if it was legal.
I personally am against street prostitution, but as someone is mostly Libertarian I thought Canada's law on prostitution was perfect. If prostitution was completely decriminalized, I think it should be zoned. I don't think prostitutes should be able to operate their trade (incall) in residential areas. I don't think young children should be subject to viewing how prostitutes operate. They do ask questions when they see women in scantly clothing walking around chasing cars.
I don't know if the plaintiffs who sued about the law really thought about the negative effects of their suit. The government could make a law that would completely drive them underground, which was their original complaint. Like you said, if they government made it completely illegal, then they may not be able to complain about the protection of their safety because they are now acting illegally. But on the other hand, if they get mugged, seriously assaulted or murdered, has the government won? I don't think so, because law enforcement investigates and prosecutes violent crimes. The question then becomes how much more dangerous does the trade become when it is illegal? I think the danger increases dramatically. I can give you an example. If prostitution is legal and if the SP has trouble with her client, she can call the police for protection. If it is illegal, then she may be reluctant or hesitant to call for help. It is the same complaint that the plaintiffs had when making their suit, right?