PHILADELPHIA — Three federal judges in Philadelphia have heard the first criminal case of "sexting" to reach a U.S. appeals court — a dispute over cell-phone images of three teenage girls.

The judges hearing arguments Friday must decide whether the girls can be charged with child pornography.

The American Civil Liberties Union calls the photos harmless — and argues the girls are victims, if anything.

Defense lawyers say the girls did not distribute the photos, which show two 12-year-olds in training bras and a topless 16-year-old.

Wyoming County prosecutors say the images are dangerous because predators could get them.

View Comments

They ordered 16 public-school students to attend a "re-education" class or face prosecution. Three families are challenging the order.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.