This study examines the evolution of the legal treatment of prostitution in Geneva during the 19^th century. At the restoration of the Republic of Geneva, the 1810 Penal Code was amended to criminalize public women. The depenalization of prostitution by the 1874 Penal Code redefined the legal framework. Prostitution became carefully regulated, and any transgression punished. Despite strong opposition to this regulationist regime, the abolitionists failed to reform Geneva’s laws by the end of the 19^th century.