Son of Sam law

noun

Any law designed to prevent criminals from profiting from the publicity around their crimes, as for example allowing the state to seize profits and distribute them to victims.

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Meanings

nounSon of Sam law (plural Son of Sam laws)

plural Son of Sam laws

  1. Any law designed to prevent criminals from profiting from the publicity around their crimes, as for example allowing the state to seize profits and distribute them to victims.

Origin

The first such law was created in New York after the "Son of Sam" murders committed by serial killer David Berkowitz.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Son of Sam law. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Son%20of%20Sam%20law

MLA

“Son of Sam law.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Son%20of%20Sam%20law. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Son of Sam law,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Son%20of%20Sam%20law.

Source: Son of Sam law on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.