What characterizes prostitution as defined in criminal law?

The definition of prostitution in criminal law is characterized by the exchange of sexual acts for money or valuable items. This definition highlights a direct transactional nature where the engagement involves sexual services provided in return for financial compensation or other forms of material gain.

Option B captures the essence of prostitution, which is rooted in the provision of sexual acts as a service, explicitly tying the act to a monetary or valuable consideration. This definition separates prostitution from other types of relationships or exchanges that might involve emotional or romantic components, as seen in other options.

In contrast, options like offering companionship or engaging in romantic relationships for financial security imply a broader context that may not necessarily involve explicit sexual acts, which does not meet the legal criteria for prostitution. Similarly, conducting sexual education classes for a fee does not entail any sexual activities exchanged for money in the context of personal transactional relationships central to prostitution.