In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Memoirs v. Massachusetts, covering everything from its historical origin to its relevance today. _Var1 represents a topic that has captured the attention of numerous scholars and experts in the field, awakening growing interest in various areas of knowledge. Over the next few lines, we will examine the multiple facets and dimensions of Memoirs v. Massachusetts, analyzing its impact on society and its influence in different contexts. We will delve into its deep meaning, discussing its implications and repercussions on the current panorama. Through this detailed exploration, we aim to shed light on Memoirs v. Massachusetts and delve into its essence, offering the reader an enriching and enlightening perspective on this exciting topic.
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Memoirs v. Massachusetts" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) |
Memoirs v. Massachusetts | |
---|---|
Argued December 7–8, 1965 Decided March 21, 1966 | |
Full case name | A Book Named "John Cleland's Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure", et al. v. Attorney General of Massachusetts |
Citations | 383 U.S. 413 (more) 86 S. Ct. 975; 16 L. Ed. 2d 1; 1966 U.S. LEXIS 2906; 1 Media L. Rep. 1390 |
Holding | |
Since the First Amendment forbids censorship of expression of ideas not linked with illegal action, Fanny Hill cannot be proscribed. | |
Court membership | |
| |
Case opinions | |
Plurality | Brennan, joined by Warren, Fortas |
Concurrence | Black, joined by Stewart |
Concurrence | Douglas |
Dissent | Clark |
Dissent | Harlan |
Dissent | White |
Laws applied | |
U.S. Const. amend. I |
Memoirs v. Massachusetts, 383 U.S. 413 (1966), was the United States Supreme Court decision that attempted to clarify a holding regarding obscenity made a decade earlier in Roth v. United States (1957).
Since the Roth ruling, to be declared obscene a work of literature had to be proven by censors to: 1) appeal to prurient interest, 2) be patently offensive, and 3) have no redeeming social value. The book in question in this case was Fanny Hill (or Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, 1749) by John Cleland and the Court held in Memoirs v. Massachusetts that, while it might fit the first two criteria (it appealed to prurient interest and was patently offensive), it could not be proven that Fanny Hill had no redeeming social value. The judgment favoring the plaintiff continued that it could still be held obscene under certain circumstances – for instance, if it were marketed solely for its prurient appeal.
Memoirs v. Massachusetts led to more years of debate about what was and was not obscene and the conferring of more power in these matters to proposers of local community standards.
John Cleland's Fanny Hill (1748) | |
---|---|
Films |
|
Other |
|
Related |
This article related to the Supreme Court of the United States is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |