The fantasy defense is where a defendant accused of attempting a crime (enticing minors into sexual activity, for example) claims that they never intended to complete the crime. Instead, they claim they were engaged in a fantasy and, in the case of luring a minor, believed they were dealing with an adult. The fantasy defense was developed by Donald B. Marks, the attorney for

Patrick Naughton Patrick Naughton is an American software developer and convicted sex offender. He is one of the creators of the Java programming language. Career Early career In 1983, Naughton co-wrote a MacPaint clone, ''Painter's Apprentice'', with ...

, a

Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...

executive who eventually pleaded guilty to traveling in interstate commerce with the intent to have sex with a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b). The "fantasy defense" used in the Naughton case was novel; however, since the closely watched Naughton fantasy defense was successful, defense lawyers were expected to use it to help other clients.

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{{Authority control Sex and the law Pedophile advocacy Criminal defenses Sexual fantasies