What was the obscenity law in the United States?

Twenty-four states passed similar prohibitions on materials distributed within the states. The law criminalized not only sexually explicit material, but also material dealing with birth control and abortion. However, the legislation did not define “obscenity”, which was left to the courts to determine on a case by case basis.

What was the Supreme Court’s position on obscenity?

The Supreme Court’s consistent position has been that “obscenity is not within the area of constitutionally protected speech or press” Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476 (1957)). Nevertheless, there has been substantial discussion about empirical evidence justifying this conclusion. Setting out the scope of the inquiry: United States v.

How did the Oregon Supreme Court rule on obscenity?

In State v. Henry (1987), the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the Oregon state law that criminalized obscenity was an unconstitutional restriction of free speech under the free speech provision of the Oregon Constitution, with the ruling making Oregon the “first state in the nation to abolish the offense of obscenity.”.

Is the Obscenity Act protected under the First Amendment?

Obscenity. Obscenity is not protected under First Amendment rights to free speech, and violations of federal obscenity laws are criminal offenses. The U.S. courts use a three-pronged test, commonly referred to as the Miller test, to determine if given material is obscene.

What are the laws on obscenity in the United States?

In addition, federal law prohibits both the production of obscene matter with intent to sell or distribute, and engaging in a business of selling or transferring obscene matter using or affecting means or facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the use of interactive computer services.

Obscenity. Obscenity is not protected under First Amendment rights to free speech, and violations of federal obscenity laws are criminal offenses. The U.S. courts use a three-pronged test, commonly referred to as the Miller test, to determine if given material is obscene.

What happens if you are convicted of obscenity?

Convicted offenders face fines and imprisonment. Although the law generally does not criminalize the private possession of obscene matter, the act of receiving such matter could violate federal laws prohibiting the use of the mails, common carriers, or interactive computer services for the purpose of transportation.

What was the Supreme Court decision on obscenity?

The U.S. Supreme Court established the test that judges and juries use to determine whether matter is obscene in three major cases: Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15, 24-25 (1973); Smith v. United States, 431 U.S. 291, 300-02, 309 (1977); and Pope v. Illinois, 481 U.S. 497, 500-01 (1987).