Son of Sam law

noun

-ˈsam-
: a law preventing criminals from profiting from media depictions (as in books or films) of their crimes

Word History

Etymology

after Son of Sam, pseudonym of serial killer David Berkowitz, whose profits from the sale of his story a 1977 New York statute attempted to divert to his victims

Dictionary Entries Near Son of Sam law

Cite this Entry

“Son of Sam law.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/Son%20of%20Sam%20law. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!