*1 McLAUGHLIN, KALODNER Before STALEY, Judges. Circuit PER CURIAM. appeal judgment for This from a is an Agricultural penalties
civil under the amended,
Adjustment 1938, Act of seq. et
U.S.C. 1281 § Appellant’s sole contention is this, In line with
Act unconstitutional. argues Filburn, 1942, she Wickard v. L.Ed. 317 U.S. constitutionality upheld the
Act and cases followed that including decision, our Blattner own Cir., 1955, erroneously. were all decided We disagree with that view. judgment court will district
be affirmed.
UNITED America, STATES of Appellee, ROTH, Appellant.
Samuel
No. Docket 24030.
United States Appeals Court of Second Circuit.
Argued June Sept. 18,
Decided
Writ of Certiorari Granted Jan.
See
herein declares unmailable
book,
scene,
lewd,
filthy
lascivious, or
writing,
pamphlet,
letter,
picture, paper,
print,
publication
or other
indecent
an
knowing
character,”
de-
and makes
mailing
posit for
unmailable mat-
of such
subject
$5,-
ter
to a
of not more than
fine
imprisonment
not
000 or
more than
years,
five
or both.
In
States
Rebhuhn,
City
Wittenberg,
cer-
Philip
York
New
States,
Carrington
tiorari denied Rebhuhn v. United
(Wittenberg,
& Farnsworth
1399,
629,
976,
Irving
City,
310 U.S.
Like,
York
on
and
New
Judge
dealing
Hand,
Learned
brief),
appellant.
unconstitutionality,
pointed
claim
George
Leisure, Jr.,
U. S.
S.
Asst.
had
in Rosen
out that
been overruled
City
Atty.,
Y.,
(Paul
D.
New York
S. N.
29,
v. United
161 U.S.
16 S.Ct.
Williams,
City,
Atty.,
York
W.
U. S.
New
480,
many
434,
606,
indict-
L.Ed.
“and
brief),
appellee.
on
found,
many
been
and
ments
since
CLARK,
Judge,
Before
Chief
* * *
persons
tried and convicted.
WATERMAN,
FRANK
Circuit
reopened
question
Su-
If
to be
Judges.
open
preme
it.” Since that
Court must
acknowl-
decision
more cases have
Judge.
CLARK, Chief
constitutionality
statute,
edged
appeal by
This is an
Samuel Roth from
part
so that
feel it
not the
so much
we
his
violation
18 U.S.C.
conviction for
judicial
responsible
administration for
1461. The indictment
twen-
§
contained
ours,
court
inferior
such as
whatever
an
charging
ty-six
mailing
counts
personal opinions,
initiate
new
our
books, periodicals,
(and
photographs
uncharted course
overturn of a
advertising
them)
some
circulars
al-
long regarded
thus
of vital so-
leged
“obscene,
lascivious,
lewd,
to be
importance
public policy of
and a
cial
filthy and
indecent character.”
general
easy,
support.
in mat-
wide
Throe counts were dismissed. After a
touching
arts,
condescend
ters
jury
guilty
trial
found defendant
poor
enforcement offi-
troubled
counts,
guilty
four
on nine-
;
carry
do will
us meas-
cials but
judge
teen. The trial
sentenced defend-
urably
generally
permanent
nearer a
years’ imprisonment
ant
to five
and to
continuing
acceptable solution of a
social
pay
$5,000
count,
a fine
on one
while
problem.
gave
on each
other three counts
background
Against
this
im-
we are
imprisonment,
term of
a like
run con-
year
pressed
decision
of a
currently, and a
fine remitted in each
$1
great
Books,
Kingsley
court
Brown v.
appeal,
On this
case.
defendant claims
641,
Inc.,
1 N.Y.2d
151 N.Y.S.2d
trial,
error
conduct
where,
accept-
134 N.E.2d
again
constitutionality
attacks the
once
ing general
leg-
constitutionality of such
governing
statute.
islation,
ground
the decision breaks new
statute,
This
upholding
U.S.C.
preventive
§
authorization of
passed
originally
by way
injunction
the act of
§
relief
the suit of
quoted
pointed
below,
As
out
word
after
the commission
of the of-
expanded by Congress
ing was somewhat
here
fenses
involved.
Judge
community
public
opinion,
and shame at which the
officer.2
controlling law
con-
have arrived here and now?” and
Fuld summarizes'
regulatory
must,
clearly
:
tinued
“If
like other kinds
letters
thus:
drawn
“That
*3
conduct,
subject
legislation
protect
public
the social sense
from
of
right,
of
that a
what
seem
evils
in the dissemination
it would
inherent
by
applicar-
jury
matter,
should in each
establish the
case
obscene
at least
neg-
they
sanctions,
barred
much
in
standard
as
do
cases
tion of criminal
ligence.”
guarantees
quoting
approval,
by
speech
In
with
this
the free
recognized
recently
Amendment,
Ninth Circuit has
said: “We
has
First
been
Judge
by
[citing
by
think
Learned Hand was in
cases]
both
court
and
this
[citing
happy
Supreme
in his
use
best of
famous form
States
Court
United
Besig
States,
Among
of words.”
v. United
9
York
New
cases from
cases].”
Doubleday
142,
Cir.,
People
&
208 F.2d
v.
he cites
687,
6,
Co., 297
77
affirmed
N.Y.
N.E.2d.
important
problem,
So this
social
848,
equally
court, 335 U.S.
an
divided
English
which has come
from
down to us
among
79,
398,
69
93 L.Ed.
while
S.Ct.
law and which has led to statutes of á
Supreme
in the United States
cases
generally similar
in almost
nature
all
upon
United
Court
are
he relies
jurisdictions
country,
the other
in this
680,
Alpers,
70
338
S.Ct.
States v.
U.S.
Books,
Kingsley
Inc., supra,
Brown v.
see
457;
352,
People of
94 L.Ed.
Winters v.
177,
639,
1
151 N.Y.S.2d
134
N.Y.2d
510,
507,
York,
of New
333 U.S.
State
461; Note,
N.E.2d
22 U.
Chi.L.Rev.
840;
665,
518, 520,
92
68
L.Ed.
and
S.Ct.
216,
general
judicial
has
resulted
Limehouse,
424,
285 U.S.
United
v.
States
unanimity
supporting
prosecu
goes
412,
52
cuit F.2d States United 1914, States, 385, 390, 672; Goldstein, Cir., 666, F. v. 2 6 211 judge properly submitted that the trial Claassen 142 United U.S. jury 966; to the as whether S.Ct. 35 L.Ed. issue Stevens filthy explana 66; picture States, Cir., v. United was F.2d “ ‘By “filthy” States, Cir., meant Todorow v. F. tion : term United signifies;' commonly ordinarily 2d certiorari what it denied vulgar, 925, 69 dirty, 1733; nasty, inde that which is sense, cent, Myers, mor D.C.N.D.Cal., offensive the moral F. States Supp. 525, ” debasing.’ ally depraving ground, This is there On either Judge charged' assignment fore; this in substance what Cashin of error must fail. v. David here. See also United States Our conclusion here settles the sub 535; son, D.C.N.D.N.Y.,244 F. appeal. stantial issues on this As we Summerfield, Sunshine Book Co. v. D.C. indicated, up if the statute is to be D.C., F.Supp. apply held at all it must a case of kind where defendant is an old hand at Judge Hence, having in mind *5 publishing surreptitiously mailing Hand’s admonition United States v. those induced to order them such lurid Kennerley, supra, D.C.S.D.N.Y., 209 F. pictures prof and material as he can find jury finally apply that the must ample itable. There was evidence for indicated, the standard thus we think jury, the and the an un defendant had nothing objectionable there was judge usual trial in that the allowed him judge’s, jury. instructions to the Cer produce experts, including psychol against tainly, “filthy” background, this ogist who stated that Would'find noth he easily is as clear arid as understandable ing obscene at the 'time. Also by jury6 the as the terms “obscene” and various modern novels were'submitted to already “lewd” committed care. to its jury comparison. the for the sake of Possibly might some different nuances Very likely jury’s the moderate verdict on given though have been we are the term— a few of the Counts submitted what,-nor given sugges not sure are we government by supported the the and. cannot the tions—but we believe that testimony of those who'had been led to jury helped. would have been Nor did through send their orders the mail was anything the defendant at the time find given scope' because of this wide- charge; question counsel, his judge pointed defense. As the out in im judge granted spe after the had all the sentence, posing defendant has been con requests made, cific additional said victed several times under before both judge “fairly every that the had covered state and law. federal Indeed this case thing.” position Now he is not duplicate and our discussions somewhat objection. press this we more Here have appearance his earlier in Roth v. Gold object. than a waiver failure to We man, Cir., 788, 2 certiorari de have fact an instance of submission of 938, 1514, 337 nied U.S. 69 S.Ct. L. 93 single jury issues to than more Ed. 1743. ground might separated have been parties had the so desired. Since no re Defendant error claims in en quest separate for verdicts for with trapment his advertisements .because jury drawal of this issue from-'the was by government represen were answered made, sup conviction must stand as obtaining tatives. But this method of ported obscenity. evidence of clear specifically approved evidence was Rosen Mascuch, Cir., United v. 2 States 111 F. States, supra, 29, . v United 161 U.S. 602, 2d certiorari denied Mascuch v. 42, 434, 438, 480, 16 S.Ct. and has been States, 650, 311 United U.S. 61 Ackley usual at least ever since: v. Unit 416; 14, Smith, States, Cir., United States v. ed F. no by Judge colleagues; supra
6. And
Fuld and Ms
see
note 2.
therefore,
clear,
defend
entrap
would seem
improper
there
event was
ground
complaint
Masciale,
because
2 ant has no
v.
United States
ment. See
existing
government’s
he was tried under the statute
Cir.,
F.2d 601.
offense; and
time of
in no
within
was
in the case
summation
could he
been
evidence,
event
harmed.
court’s
scope
But one
charge
correct.
Judgment
concise and
was
affirmed.
engage
atten
our
needs to
other matter
claim
defendant’s
was the
Judge
tion. That
FRANK,
(concurring).
Circuit
charged with re
the court
in that
error
Judge
opinion
Clark’s
The reference in
time
spect
it was at
statute as
to the
juvenile
might
delinquency
lead the
although
offenses,
been
had
that,
suppose
under the
casual reader to
or before
on June
amended
statute,
of what constitutes ob-
the test
designed
was
amendment
trial.
this
But
minors,
scenity is its effect on
and that-
arose because
the Act and
to stiffen
defendant, Roth,
has been convicted
F.2d
Alpers
mailing
(or
writings
for
obscene
mailing
obscene
a conviction
to)
court, however, in
sale
children. This
on the
reversed
phonograph records was
Levine, Cir., 83
F.2d
United States v.
clearly
ground
records were not
held
test
that the correct
language
statutory
embodied in
thoughts
desires,
effect on the sexual
Although
quoted
decision
above.
“young”
“immature,”
reinstat
conviction
and the
was reversed
average, normal,
persons. The
adult
supra,
Alpers,
in United States
ed
jury.1
judge
trial
here
instructed the
Congress
was
70 S.Ct.
test,
jury
On the basis of that
could
*6
loophole
no
that
be
so anxious that there
found,
reasonably
beyond
a reason
making
it
unmail
an amendment
enacted
doubt,
books, pe
of the
able
“[ejvery obscene,
lewd, las
able now
riodicals, pamphlets
pictures
which
civious,
indecent, filthy
article,
or vile
defendant mailed were obscene. Accord
thing,
matter,
device,
ingly,
or substance.”
It
I concur.2
para-
“disgusting.”
the former fifth
also eliminated
sexual desires
renders
For
graph
superfluous.
argument
legis
See the
if
sound
the
now
Senate
the
be
Keport
supra
provide pun
constitutionally
note 5.
cited
lature
because,
ishment
the
anti
obscene
1. lie
“The
is not whether
it
said:
test
by
socially, it
sexual desires mak
arouses
sexually
would arouse sexual desires or
ing
attractive,
follows that
sex
then it
impure thoughts
compi-ising
those
socially
disgusting is
makes sex
whatever
segment
particular
community,
the
the
subject
the
beneficial—-and thus
young,
highly pru-
the
or the
immature
legislation
punishes the
valid
which
mail
*
*
words, you
dish.
In other
“filthy”
ing
matter. To avoid this
impact upon
aver-
must determine its
age
the
inconsistency,
seeming
the statute should
person
community.”
in the
interpreted
mailing
follows:
be
as
The
mailing
“filthy”
The statute
condemns the
matter is
crime if that matter
only
by
recipient
the
of “obscene” matter
also
tends to induce acts
but
“filthy”
probably
matter. Parts of the indictment
to cause breaches of
will
peace.
tend
the
mailing
charged
interpretation
here
the defendant with
This
line with
“filthy” publications.
judge
Limehouse,
The trial
told
States
jury they
convict
defend-
There
could
L.Ed. 843.
S.Ct.
mailing
“filthy” publication,
ant for
if
conviction
Court affirmed the
of a defend-
they
per-
found that
it
“sexual mat-
treated
had mailed letters to divers
ant who
way
vulgar
which,
language,”
ters in such a
and indecent
“foul
sons
accused
feeling
immorality.
so
it
arouse
tends to
of sexual
Those letters
them
disgust
following
category
“fighting
or
con-
aversion.”
thus were within the
might
urged:
e.,
insulting
tention
words or
words”—i.
argument
very
may constitutionally
advanced to sus-
be made
like—which
validity,
precisely
tain
statute’s
it
far as
con-
tend
criminal
provoke
because
obscene, goes
peace. Where,
in-
demns the
show
breaches of the
validity
language
however,
appears
“filthy”
of the
con-
statute so far as it
in a
“filth,”
book,
picture,
demns
“filth”
no
means
and involves
insults
“
(cid:127)
although
difficulty
I
danger’
do'so
I have much
terms of a
”.
‘clear and
reconciling
validity
However,
meaning
statute
of that
phrase,
of that
opinions
Supreme Court,
with
ut-
has been somewhat watered down
twenty-five years,3
past
tered
within the
Dennis United
341 U.S.
the;
ap-
First Amendment as
The test
relative.to
“
plied
legislation.
probability;
other
The now
kinds-of
involves
‘In
case
each
expressed
opinions,
(courts)
”,
doctrine
I
in those
as
must ask’
said Chief Justice
“
briefly
it, may
Dennis,
gravity
understand
Vinson
be summarized
‘whether the
gov-
Any
authorizing
“evil,”
improb
follows:
statute
discounted
its
' (whether by ability,
justifies
ernmental
interference
such invasion of free
“prior
speech
punishment)
necessary
restraint” or
with
as is
dan
to avoid the
”
speech"
ger.’
press
free
suggested
or free
counter to
runs
It has been
Amendment, except
the. First
when the
test now is this: “The more serious and
government
evil,
can show that
threatened the lower the re;
likely
degree
quired
strikes at
incite
words which are
probability.”6
It would
peace,4
to a breach of
with suffi-
seem to follow that the less clear the dan
probability
ger,
cient
to the over-
tend either
the more
At
imminent must
be.
government
illegal
any rate,
throw of
means
it would seem that
the .dan
ger
or to
(i. e.,
some other overt anti-social con-
or evil must be clear
identifi
able)
duct.5
substantial,
(2) that,
since
punishable,
the statute renders words
aspect
The troublesome
federal
tend,
is invalid unless those’words
with a
try
statute —as
shall
ex-
high
fairly
degree
probability,
to in
plain
Appendix
opinion—
to this
cite to
Obviously
overt conduct which .is
(a)
that,
is that
no one can now show
For,
harmful.
ment,
under
any
Amend
First
probability
with
publications
reasonable
obscene
lawless
anti-social “acts
tend to have
effects on
thing. Speech
main
punishable
is not
normal, average adults,
the behavior of
sake,
for its own
(b)
judi-
statute,
because of its
that under that
(cid:127)
* * *
cially
connection
interpreted,
punishment
appar-
act's
* * *
ently
provoking,
But
inflicted for
more than
a remote con
*7
* * * ”7
adults,
thoughts,
necessary
undesirable
nection is
See)
sexual
feel-
ings,
dangerous
g.,
or desires—not
overt
e.
American
Ass’n,
Communication’s
conduct,
prob-
anti-social
either
Douds,
actual
C.I.O. v.
382, 398,
339 U.S.
70 S.
able.
674, 683,
Ct.
925,
94 L.Ed.
as to “the
right
public
Often
protected
the discussion of
of the
First Amend
to be
exceptions
ment
conduct,
has been
though
couched
evils
even
the First
particular persons,
straint,
there
be no such
(1955)
will
20 E.
Cont. Problems
&.
'
consequences.
648, 652.
interpretation
If this were the correct
See,
g., Chaplinsky
e.
4.
v. State of
ew
N
“filthy,”
part
then-that
of the statute
Hampshire,
315 U.S.
62 S.Ct.
condemning
“filthy”
apply
the
would not
766,
804
thereunder,
nothing;
happen
and affirmed
I
a conviction
not to be interest-
constitutionality.
“pornography”;
did not
ed
consider
so-called
and I
its.
think defendant’s
obnoxious.
motives
following cases,
valid
where
invalid,
But if the statute were
the merit
involved,
ity
obscenity'statute
of no
was
publications
of those
would be irrelevant.
Court,
passing,
the
legislation
referred to
People
York,
Winters v.
State of New
Bald
v.
valid: Robertson
507, 510,
665,
333 U.S.
68
92 L.Ed.
S.Ct.
win, 1897,
275, 281,
17 S.Ct.
U.S.
So, too,
as to defendant’s motives:
326,
715;
41 L.Ed.
Near
State of
v.
“Although
may,
the defendant
be the
Minnesota, 1931,
51 S.
U.S.
* *
rights
worst of men
City
625,
1357;
Ct.
Lovell v.
75 L.Ed.
the best of men are secure
as the
451,
Griffin, 1938,
444,
303 U.S.
58 S.Ct.
rights of the vilest and most abhorrent
666,
949; Chaplinsky
v. State of
L.Ed.
protected.”8
Hampshire, 1942,
568,
New
315 U.S.
571-
572,
1031;
766,
(b)
(as explained
Beauh
S.Ct.
It is most doubtful
Illinois,
People
Appendix)
arnais
anyone
of State of
in the
whether
can
250,
725,
reading
96 now
U.S.
72 S.Ct.
demonstrate
children’s
looking
prob-
L.Ed. 919.
at obscene matter has a
(cid:127)
able causal relation to the children’s anti-
agree
colleagues that,
my
I
since
If, however,
prob-
social conduct.9
such a
court,
ours is
an inferior
should
we
shown,
able causal relation could
there
superior
hold
which our
invalid statute
doubt,
think,
could be little
I
of the valid-
(al-
has thus often said is constitutional
ity
(if
of a statute
so worded as to avoid
discussion).
beit
I
without
full
Yet
ambiguity)
specifically'pro-
undue
improper
forth,
think it not
I
to set
hibits the distribution mail of obscene
Appendix,
do in the
con-
considerations
publications
young people.
for sale to
cerning
validity
statute’s
legislation
But discussion of such
is here
which, up
now,
with
preme
I
Su-
think the
irrelevant, since,
existing
repeat,
any of
Court has not dealt in
its
federal statute is not thus restricted.
opinions.
suggest
I do
the inevitabil-
ity of
conclusion
that that statute
Congress
(c)
undoubtedly has wide
suggest
I
it is
unconstitutional.
do
power
protect public
morals. But the
ap-
conclusion,
hard to avoid that
if one
severely
First Amendment
limits that
legislation
reasoning
plies to
power
speech
in the area of free
and free
Supreme
applied
Court has
to other sorts
press.
’
legislation. Perhaps
overlook-
(d)
argued
anti-obscenity
argu-
compelling contrary
ed conceivable
legislation
because,
is valid
time
at the
maybe my Appendix
ments.
If so,
will
adoption
Amendment;
“
the First
evoke them.
obscenity was a common law
Re
crime.
preclude misunderstanding
my
To
Bridges
lying
alia)
(inter
v. State of
stirring-
purpose in
doubts about' this California,
252, 264-265,
314 U.S.
62 S.
statute, I
think well
add the fol-
to.
Grosjean
thoughts
read to
mental control what adult
appear
censorship
ble,
path
courts.
constitutionality
political
they may stimulate,
at a time when
First Amendment
detail
frivolous to raise
Milton,
far
different dominant
future.11
non-governmental
by government.10
ting
true
lic
That
basic
ocratically
lic
structing,
ute
guarding
group
essence of
does not
herents
keep
(f)
(e)
influence
opinion
opinion
less
respect,
obscene
democracy
purpose
At
The First
in the
some
will
(including any
at first
constitutional
Thomas
governmental
But
more serious
dominant
easily evaded,
first
prevent any private
become embodied
any
has far more
eminent
exercised
others not
about not
prevent
struggle
public opinion
principle
experience
think
(for
legislature
seeking
glance may
religious
writings,
(or
Appendix)
—leaves
apparently
glance:
democratic
Jefferson,
Amendment,
any question
reasons
means of
problems
public opinion
undesirable;
public
other)
thinkers of
First
the formation
alive,
censorship
to
it
indispensable
to read
reading
control of
Church)
incessant
implications
seemingly graver
teaches that
obscenity
persuade,
provision
than
deems undesira-
reading.
unhampered
merely
potency,
We have been
stated
Amendment
opinion
reader,
is of the
governmental
James
mild
molding
confront
citizens
publications.
process.
seem almost
censorship
or distrib-
legislation which, fully
about
literature
from
struggle
body
in more
because
govern-
permit-
and,
adult’s
—safe-
course,
sexual
its
Madi-
John
than
dem-
easy
very
pub-
pub-
ad-
in-
or
A
tionality
punitive
without
I
little doubt about the
constitutional
nevertheless
year,
will make in the
feature,
islatures
publications
66 Pa.Dist.
ports
thoughts
der it
ute
Goldman, Cir.,
tended to
straint
Court has
transform themselves into anti-social
confine attention to official
havior, why
whether
thoughts,
power
best.”
moment,
gardless
able
adopt
attitude
arouse
sor
pointed
keeps
grown-up
ianship
son,
voiced
(g)
[*]
political
aims
dangerous
in Commonwealth
J. S. Mill and
[*]
them
Assuming,
towards
constitutional.
If
by
of obscene
to censor
out that
sexual
concurring
»12
because
thought of
photographs,
?
puzzlement
that,
it
citizens enervates
said,
government
advertisements
any
& Co. R.
may
should be asked
good purpose
its
tending
immature,
administrative
legislation
thoughts
censorship
much,
government
altogether
desirability
“The
thoughts,
deeds?
religious
government
causal
not the
any paternalistic
arguendo,
general, “Papa
statute.
ark
leads citizens and
books.
opinion
publications
about
validity
to stimulate sexual
may
good
in our
101, Judge
of our covenant.
Tocqueville have
As the
relation
all too
tend
serious break it
And even if we
government
publications
stimulate
cannot be ex-
desirable
Gordon,
regardless
sought
and true
censorship of
possesses
the constitu-
does not
But
an insidious
why,
that a
their
in Roth v.
officers
daily
probably
thoughts
of a
promote
prior
then had
Supreme
ready
the next
purely
Curtis
at
guard-
knows
press,
spirit,
which
prob-
stat
ren
end,
cen-
leg
any
un
the
re-
be-
re-
re-
to
to
by influencing
opinion,
pressure
social
Public
at-
The results of the
current
opinion may
always
titudes, may
convention,
public
happy.
create
with no
governmental
democracy accepts
postulate
it,
“sanction” behind
far
our
But
that,
long
struggle
run,
more coercive than
statute.
Of.
Arrangement
public opinion
Holmes,
produce
sway
and The
Codes
will
*10
Law,
(1870) 4,
policies.
further
the
2 Am.L.Kev.
5.
wisest
For
discussion of
Appendix.
theme,
the
see
Notably
this true of
conventions as
Barre, Obscenity;
Case, Bailey
obscenity; La
An
Labor Tax
to
Child
The
12.
Anthropological
Co.,
Appraisal,
20 L. & Con.
Drexel Furniture
(1955)
533.
809 night scenity ing “high license,” revels” in was held law crime at the common them, adoption Mrs. War- time of the houses.”20 Thanks the First Amend- to of Quite that, profession flourished, but it was ment. ren’s aside from the fact previous Amendment, it considered to talk about to had sinful the there recognition purely Crime, prudish ver- been scant the books.21 Such a and of this (more code, or less bal moral at odds short answer seems the fram- to be hypocritically) knowingly of ers of the with the actual conduct and de- Amendment seen) liberately (as depart its was we have to the adherents intended English code of not the moral of who framed common law to freedom sup- speech press. the One would and First Amendment.23 freedom of the See pose, Grosjean then, Co., courts should inter- 297 U. the American Press 233, 248-249, pret and S. enforce that Amendment accord- 80 L.Ed. S.Ct. ing 660; Bridges framers, California, to views the of those v. State of according 252, 264-265, code.24 U.S. the later “Victorian” 192;24a Patterson, Speech Free and a “founding did not ac- 124-125, (1939) 101-102, Free Press fathers” cept concerning the common law 128; Schofield, 2 Constitutional Law and expression Equity (1921) freedom of 521-525. argued has It legislature been the federal course, Of the wide has obscenity statute is valid power protect because ob- public what it considers Wingfield-Stratford, cit., loc. 296-297. liberty speech lish common law on of press.’ Schofield, and Freedom Paradoxically, apparently this attitude of the Press the United 9 Pub- obscenity. tends to “create” For Amer.Sociol.Soc., 67, lications More foundation of seems to be secre- specifically, forget is to the environ- cy and shame: secret “The becomes ment which the First Amendment was secrecy.” Kap- shameful because of its presenting proposals ratified. In lan, Obscenity Category, As An Esthetic which were later embodied in Bill Contemp. Law & Problems Eights, Madison, .Tames the leader 544, 556. preparation of the First Amendment society sure, every “pretend- 22. To be ‘Although said: know whenever (moral legal) pub- rules” great rights, which it jury, the trial freedom licly Indeed, voices but does not press, liberty conscience, enforce. gap necessarily exists question body between a so- (Parlia- come ment), in that ciety’s ideals, exalted, all and its the invasion of them is resisted practices. gap But Magna the extent advocates, yet of the able their Charta significant. See, g., Frank, e. any provision Lawless- does security contain one for the Encyc. (1932); ness. rights, Soc. Sciences respecting of those Frank, Kahn, cf. people Preface A Court for America are most alarmed. (1953). press Children rights The freedom of the conscience, privileges those choicest 23. It is of interest that not until the Tar- unguarded people, in the British Congress any iff Act of 1824 did enact Congress Constitution.’ Annals of legislation obscenity. relative to 1789-1790, And Madison elsewhere * * * press wrote that ‘the state of the suggestion 24. For discussion of the * * * law, under the common cannot provisions provide constitutional be the standard of its freedom in the merely safeguards may minimum Writings United States.’ VI of James properly enlarged diminished —to —not 1790-1802, Madison 387. There are no newly emerging policies, meet needs contrary implications any part Supreme Supremo see Court Law history period in which the First (Cakn 1954) ed. 59-64. adopted. was framed Amendment Bridges California, 24a. ratifying purpose Rights State No Bill of 252, 264-265, securing 62 S.Ct. was clearer than that for people Court said: “In event it need not of the United States much us, English detain greater religion, expression, assume that freedom assembly, common petition law in people this field became ours is than deny generally accepted enjoyed. historical Britain had ever Great can- objects denied, example, belief that ‘one of the not be ligious the re- get Eng- upon Revolution was to rid of the test oath the restrictions Although vis the morals. se- First But Amendment First Amendment.26 (and
verely
power
required
circumscribes that
still be true
that more
legislative
justify legislation
powers)
“preven
other
area
providing
speech
press.
“punitive” censorship,27
tive”
and free
than
substantially
distinction has been
eroded.
Subsequent punishment as, practi-
*14
See,
g.,
States,
e.
U.
341
Dennis v. United
prior
cally,
restraint
494,
1137;
857, 95
S.
71 S.Ct.
L.Ed.
-
long time,
For a
much was made
47,
Schenck
States,
v. United
249 U.S.
calling
the
distinction between
Jonge
247,
470;
39 S.Ct.
v.
63 L.Ed.
De
“prior
providing
restraint” and one
Oregon,
353,
State of
299 U.S.
57 S.Ct.
subsequent
punishment;25 the
criminal
255,
278;
81
L.Ed.
said,
Thornhill v. State
alone,
former
it
raised
was once
constitutionality
any question
Alabama,
88, 97-98,
vis-á
60
310 U.S.
S.Ct.
assembl'y
prevalent
England
454-457,
Clarke,
441,
would
12 L.Ed.
in
v.
5 How.
then
226;
regarded
Alabama, supra,
have been
as measures
Powell v. State
pages
55,
prohibited
45,
60-65,
the
the American
287
Constitution
U.S.
53 S.Ct.
Congress
passing.
light
the
since
from
And
John Juvenal, by reading will be vicious books, learnt, fectly thousand a without Echoing “Jimmy” Macaulay, them.” stopped.” ways that be other cannot Walker heard remarked that had never by New of á woman seduced a book. “obscenity” adult on conduct Effect of obscenity Mexico has had an stat- never exist, think, I no thor- date there To .ute; that, no in that there evidence is by persons competent ough-going studies state,- proportionate- sexual misconduct is normal justify that conclusion greater ly elsewhere. than reading seeing of the “obscene” adults' young people on conduct Effect of probably conduct. induces anti-social (as noted) federal courts competent as have been Most above studies Such obscenity complex and now hold that the test of is do conclude that made average on effect the “mind” of the of vice sexual are the causes numerous any being adult, impossible normal that with effect deter assert it is that “average “obscenity” represents mined time,” a conscience that assurance ponderable sexually devi- the current is “sense what factor causal “Although right”; whole and that the statute does not behavior. ant adult hinges censorship obscenity intend “to reduce our treatment of sex subject of library assumption ‘ob- standard of a upon unproved that child’s significant few”; supposed interest of factor salacious is scene’literature Kennerley, D.C., 209 causing United States v. F. from the com- deviation sexual standard, report 120, 121. munity be found no can genuine single research effort However, pressure there is much singling assumption out as designed legislation, prevent test juvenile study single effect of sex litera- delinquency, factor which will chil- out dren, e., upon prohibit young What lit- behavior.”32 sexual i. will the sale to ture done, “obscenity” desig- persons competent has been research other tle Obscenity Alpert, McClure, Censorship Judicial 33. See Lockhart Contemp.P. Press, (1955) Courts, & The Harv.L.Rev. L. The 587, 595. problem on the juvenile does nated matter. That treatment and causes of here, delinquency, recently published since the federal itself ten-year study The trial results of a statute is not thus limited. of its causes. charge They judge exhaustively case approximately instant studied jury might told the that the “test” under factors and influences that lead explain juvenile delinquency; to or mailed is effect of the statute not the gave comprising particular the Gluecks matter on “those no consideration to segment community”, “young” type reading material, were immature”; is, see United delinquents. or “the read This 156, 157. course, finding Levine, F.2d States their consistent delinquents very little. read When those a chil- Therefore a discussion problem who know so much about the protective irrelevant dren’s among very delinquency youth Judge —the But, dis- since Clark does here. group about whom the of cen- advocates linkage alleged cuss the sorship are most concerned —conclude delinquency, juvenile and since delinquents that what read has so little thought perhaps that it bear- has some upon their effect conduct that it is not ing question of ob- on of the effect investigating worth in an exhaustive conduct, scenity shall dis- adult too good study causes, there reason for it. cuss concerning hy- serious doubts the basic following summary is a recent pothesis obscenity censorship on which subject “(1) :33a studies Scien- dependent. other influenc- 33b juvenile delinquency studies of tific society stimulate desire sexual es get into demonstrate who frequent are so much in- more their trouble, greatest and are the concern *17 potent fluence and much more in their censorship, the advocates of far less are reading is effect influence of to do not inclined than those who read insignifi- most, relatively likely, at to be delinquent. delinquents are become The composite in the of forces cant that lead generally type, the adventurous who have deviating individual an into conduct from reading and little use for other nonactive * ** community sex standards. assuming Thus, even entertainment. demonstrating studies And the that sex reading sometimes adverse has an knowledge reading from seldom results upon behavior, is effect moral the effect unimportance of relative indicates likely substantial, to be for those thoughts in sexual and be- literature susceptible who are seldom read. compared with other in Glueck, havior factors Sheldon Eleanor and who are among society.”34 country’s leading authorities 33b. 33a. V. a new quency York Law of “scientific” our progressive “In the See, more summary report, (1955) 8. Noviek, Superintendent Perhaps I, Lockhart Minn.L.Rev. programs, e. Training cautious phenomenon. discussed g., Frank, Obscenity public one, alternately some education, society and deplore and other bit summary, applied School for eye McClure, Literature, infra. and The too 4 J. of Public Law today * * * the use of the word Bach the direct horror sweeping. to social studies. reasoning see pet peeves juvenile Girls, of generation Constitution, 385-386. This comics, the New result writes: Jahoda of this For a is not delin- T. of dren he manifested Integrating munity, delinquency ways censorship ficient restrictive prevent adults ing is no Shakespeare) for strain, an which adults havior Charles scapegoat effect its risen would has been concerned about to note that of and the era have delinquency. delinquency. They merely upon Lamb exception its Fed.Probation, measures of during periods will cure the children always had no belief reading Delinquent which (whose be manner in expressed.” [*] * in his delinquency problem. such as At sought and has which we matter concern place the same [*] of in Tales From Neither do stress and looked which His Com- with chil- It is suf- * * panacea Noviek, has al- the be- (1956). blame * ** time, have un- liv- for * (cid:127) “the; Censorship Judge however, Some'Assumptions Clark, speaks in the compe-- (1954).35 strongly report Debate I held have read this views .those with very (which survey premises in direct- tence as to the is a available careful theories). obscenity, psychological I de- the- studies and connection" of “with He; expresses quite, velopment juvenile delinquency.” con an .of attitude think-it by opinion trary quotes Judge to that- Clark. a recent indicated cites an; my any possible Appeals In order to avoid bias N.ew Court of York in, thought interpretation Judge Vanderbilt-, report, article-.by I which of that writings persons turiy thus- own cité the well to ask Dr. Jahoda to write her with-, summary which, by Judge it, permis. "those Clark as described her so, sion, (In doing premises.”,- quote. competence of the. I shall I am in.the .One Dr,. following writings example report, Jahoda Mr. Justice is a cited of, who, Impact associates, Commis in Federal Trade entitled Jackson Psychological Co., Discussion A v. Ruberoid Literáture: sion open reading sunlight, In his- be choice made censored harmed-children: apt Essays education more than when made shadow of Elia wrote Bridget, tumbled on the of honorable cousin “She was fall side behavior.” of his similarly: good early spacious in- old closet of Watson writes “What into a English reading”' (which Eliza- most sterile nocent children need is not a included and 18th from which all evidence and Restoration dramas environment bethan * * * * * removed, century novels) lust selection been “without much help interpreting upon prohibition will evil browsed at Honie, pasturage. inescapable part Had is an that fair and wholesome life. brought up cooperate twenty they girls, should school- church should be I exactly to create artificial hot-house this fashion.” insula-. Bok,. perhaps Judge. but to chil- . tion life’s realities enable Curtis .--remember- yes! “Ah, publica- respond, ing remarks, I under- Lamb’s said dren class !” children middle him Commonwealth v. stand Most tions before parents spells Gordon, 1949, alarm their Pa.Dist. 101: homes & Co.R. violence, imaginative care overdo whether one -would “It will asked worry death, listening daughter talk, young read sex cowboy about one’s comics, reading suppose programs, inane time these books. stories, exchanging dirty enough and most of wish them is old to read biologic she *18 time, in or without adult coun- facts them with will have learned she way go through sel, will work arid that with them. their to bet- of life the words something seriously wrong at' ter standards of taste. Protection There is censorship might leave met such children been home those facts not -susceptible; by then; and more some of faced sorted it is Weaker and and interests, measles, parents childhood like that should these much children of to a later life im- our I should contribute concern about this. useful receive munity.” Watson, daughters my prefer on meet Some Effects Cen- that own three upon Society, Meaning sors,hip in 5 Social the literature of facts of life and. neigh- Legal Concepts (1953) library my in than behind a of 83-85. world (cid:127) adversary “They barn, are Milton: not skilful face the Said for I can bor’s things, imagine young directly. of human who are considerers If the ladies there appalled removing they they read, remove sin the matter of to what can' page' A sinner renowned that he the bottom of sin.” declared the book close everything temptation.” further, they one; if-they but resist will learn “could read js people,' and in in "its vyo.rld what Kingsley passage Brown v. Cited parents have 'been discern- no and’ who Books, Inc., 1 N.Y.2d 151 N.Y.S. ing theii; need fear the out-' with children quoted by Judge 639, 134 N.E.2d 2d they back, hql,d ,for it can come. Nor Judge quotes and cites from Clark Clark. a,series minor life is little battles opinion only in connection with his this issues,- on and the burden...of choice is judicial “lack knowl our statement edge all, every day, and old. Our ypung us bearing prob of the social this daughters in¡the de-, live world and must quotation However, from that lem”. they be, women are to what sort opinion cide York cites Jahoda re New their, willing prefer to Judge port, we should be I-therefore assume that of decen- to include Jahoda deliberate informed '.choice -Dr. intended Clark among than, competence cy that rather an innocence “those with con-: ignorance. thai; spring premises”. , to If tinues releasing trigger acknowl- could serve 72 S.Ct. edged function unpublished provide the criminal act or it for a he relied on “an could that aggression treatise”, to e., not available substitute fan- i. one outlet of tasy, dispensing proper, I parties. practice is with need for crim- If quote empirical an au- inal similarly proper action. There no- evi- think to unpublished interpretation aof dence in either direction. thor’s treatise.) sum- published Dr. Jahoda’s regard impact “4. With to lit- mary reads as follows: reader, on erature the mind of the it must argue cen- for increased “Persons who pointed out that there is a vast over- operate printed sorship matter often lap in content between all of mass media reading assumption that about on the daily press, communication. The televi- violence and about sexual matters or sion, radio, movies, books and comics actions, par- brutality to anti-social leads present their share of ‘bad’ ma- so-called ticularly delinquency. An ex- juvenile to terial, great reports some with realism as pertinent psychological amination events, clearly of actual some fiction- following con- to the literature has led virtually impossible alized form. It is to : clusions impact isolate of one of media these population exposed research evidence on a “1. There exists no to all of them. disprove suggests prove particu- as- Some evidence either sumption definitively. lar communications which arrest at- good part tention of an individual proof “2. absence of scientific rule, people matter choice. As a do approach psychological lines of two expose everything themselves to assumption are examination the possible: offered, agrees to what (a) is known a review what their inclinations. juvenile delinquency; on the causes (b) is known about review what “Children, yet crys- who have often not effect of literature on the mind preferences their tallized unspecific curiosity have more reader. many adults, than perhaps open are therefore acci- on more vast research literature “3. In the juvenile delinquency influences from This dental literature. there the causes danger youngsters justify assumption may who is no evidence maladjusted reading are insecure reading (of who find about matters sexual delinquent ‘bad’ books as well leads to acts. violence about ‘good’ reality agree books) escape- juvenile delinquency Experts from’ single do not face. Needs no cause. Most of dare regard early events, which are not met in the real world are childhood them gratified reading fantasy likely, age, world. precede the as a nec- *19 though fully demonstrated, essary delinquency. not that ex- condition for later reading age, personal in- of comic books will later the nature of cessive aAt tensify qualities great- in children those which is assumed have much relations determining comic power delinquent drove them to the book world to er begin inability experiences with: an to face the the vicarious career than world, apathy, reading belief that the individual provided Juvenile matter. hopelessly impotent group less, is and driven un- delinquents as a read and less and, hence, accept- forces easily, non-delinquents. controllable Individual than brutality in reported violence and ance of the real in which so-called instances are allegedly ‘good’ world. influenced a de- books linquent in the manner in which ‘bad’ be noted that “It should insofar as him. are assumed to influence books sequence1 implied, insecurity is and causal maladjustment experiences precede in a child must and “Where sub- childhood exposure written to the word sequent or have combined to this events make potential likely, lead to these effects. delinquency psychologically der to Un read- fortunately, perhaps, reading ing of effects: have one two could young Shakespeare’s tragedies points millions of Wertham to the of Anderson’s books; might a frac- readers of such fairy and Grimm’s do much tales delinquents. tion of these readers become the same.” Many gum, drink latter also chew Most of the current discussion coca-cola, shoes. and wear soft-soled reading and relation between children’s says Moreover, specifically Dr. Wertham juvenile delinquency so- has to do with (p. 298) with is little concerned center on vio- called “comic books” which designed allegedly publications obscene (sometimes sex) coupled rath- lence reading by adults, (pp. Judge obscenity. Vander- than mere er 348) legislation advo- which he Judge bilt, Clark in an article from which cates do no forbid the would more than Regula- quotes, Feder, Book cites Comic display sale or to mi- of “comic books” California, (University Bureau tion- previously noted, nors.- As the federal Legislative Administration, Public obscenity statute so restricted. not 2).36 “It No. Feder writes: Problems definitely enough Maybe day we never been determined some will n reliable data portraying to show obscene books vio- whether or comics pictures lence, chil- do tend influence crime horror are a cause delinquency.” adversely.
juvenile Then dren's conduct sexual which federal statute could be enacted Judge Vanderbilt, in the article from would au- avoid defects constitutional Judge quotes, Clark also cites Wer- thorizing using punishment mails tham, Seduction the Innocent shipments in the sale interstate proponent Dr. Wertham' is the foremost pictures books to children.38 view that “comic books” do con- however, juvenile delinquency. is, Ja- at that chil- all clear to. tribute Report ignorant, consider- hoda takes issue with Dr. Wer- would be dren measure, obscenity, tham, variety able if no obscene who relies much on a variety go-propter-hoc post-hoc-er publications of ar- came hands. ever into their Youngsters get e., youths gument, a vast of education i. who had “comic deal read argu- delinquents. companions their became smut from books” sexual ment, best, age.39 proves report Dr. A of con- too much-: own verbatim Vanderbilt, Impasse Justice, 36. about sex was more or less limited Wash. age (1956), 267, had U.L.Q. what their friends of their own ‘contemporaries’ told them. After Ibid. youth’s home, source Such,a long ago suggested. importance school, was next from Seagle, percent young peo See Ernst and To the Pure about ple they reported had received most of few, information. about 4 their sex A Dennett, 39. Cf. United States v. reported percent, owed most A.L.R. 1092. books, percent asserted while less than Alpert (loc. 74) writes cit. at acquired they had most their in study Youth American Commission Exactly formation movies. young people and attitudes of conditions specified proportion church as same ages Maryland between of sixteen information. of their sex chief source reported twenty-four, 1938: offered These statistical results are not Maryland study was “For deliberate *20 conclusive; they more that do as picked ‘typical’ ly state, and, a ac upon assertion that than cast doubt the cording Commission, 13,528 to the the books, deprave corrupt and ‘immoral’ people personally young interviewed statistical re be admitted. These must speak Maryland can for the two hundred against placed in the sults scale young people fifty Mary thousand and upon weight dogma law of the twenty millions and land - counterpane high. lift the Add is founded ‘The chief source of sex States. “edu-. easily that ‘evil manners’ are ac this: youth ages for of-all and all cation” books; quired groups without books as with that religious found to was be the slums, contemporaries.’ labor, Sixty-six per machine barren crowded youth’s boys emotions, unreasoning forty percent lives, starved and cent , reported they girls -dangerous that far what knew minds are more to morals boys edge teen-age they at among have created cultural young a versations mosphere homes) which, at a average will for children (from respectable trifling maximum, only amazing proficiency addi ob- most their disclose imputed tional effect to children’s other can be language, learned scene perusal argument mailed of matter boys.40 Replying kind young protect the defendant. censorship need regulate all the "Who shall Milton said: obscenity The statute and the * * * youth of our conversation appoint newspapers * * * discussed what shall be many contrary * * Because of the views of reject judges *?” Most who competent scep- persons, one well be long youth past and have view are probably their How- tical about Dr. Wertham’s thesis. forgotten the conversational ever, what, logically, let cru- us see ways period life: “I remember of that daily press: sade After would do to the Dooley, boy,” Mr. when I was a little said referring repeatedly descriptions, to the little I don’t how was a “but remember books” me- “comic and other “mass boy.” dia,” of violence combined with sadistic and the behavior, The descriptions he sexual press. reputable says juvenile delinquency, contribute to writes, delinquency reflects “Juvenile assumed, Let it for the sake society. the social values current in a pub argument, contemplation of Both adults and children absorb so- these dealing a lished matter with sex * * * lives, daily cial values their significant impact conduct. on children’s and also in communications assumption, On we overlook cannot * * * through the mass media Ju- reputable news the fact that papers most our delinquency up venile mirror holds a carry periodicals advertise * * * society self-understood displaying photographs women ments and pattern a that such in a mass medium alluring decidedly sexually in what are * * nothing not come from does postures,41 emphasizing the and at times disease, they Comic books are not the are importance appeal.” of “sex That women * * * only symptom a so- same scantily clad, increases are there shown cial make forces that made comic books mystery bodies “the allure evils, other social and the same social psy hidden,” writes eminent an keep keep forces that comic crime books leg “A silk chiatrist. ing stock covered way they are.” the other social evils the a naked is much more attractive than added.) (Emphasis one; pushed shape into bosom daily newspapers, alluring especially pendant Now the brassiere is more than the circulations, Either, then, those with immense consti stat rea lities.”42 important part sternly of the “mass me applied prevent tute ute must be mailing ; newspaper copy newspapers sells reputable dia” and each containing Vir less than “comic book.” periodicals for much such ads tually descriptions, all the sorts sex photographs, must acknowl or else we Myerson, Speaking of Man obscene literature. than so-called chapter tangential, True, also the well known but a See attack is Penguin involved, problem in Anatole France’s Is- clothes and the is here approach social weight land. should be felt.” of this discussing books,” “comic Dr. Wertham Id. much of the advertisements makes ads,” carry. speaks He of their “breast slightly expurgated report, 40. For such a up “glamour playing also of their readers, Cleckley, see adult “sexy,” girls,” their their stress on Sanity (1950) Mask of 135-137. *21 “secondary emphasis sexual women’s on descrip- Larrabee, Is not this also characteristics.” The Cultural Context Cf. pe- Contemp.Prob. Censorship, in our “best 20 11. & tive advertisements Sex 672, ? riodicals” 818 mingled violence, principally against relatively which Werth in- Dr. enforced books,” conspicuous am finds in “cómic can men defendant here. like the gruesome found, accompanied by often n Da Capo: wholly Available data seem journals.
photographs, daily in those to obscen- show that the insufficient newspaper, Even a considered which is ity-statutes any excep- come within unusually published promi respectable, tion to the First Amendment. nently August 26, page, on first its on 1956, story decomposed “badly true repeat I that, because is that statute body” year a 24 school old woman not publications restricted to obscene . teacher, clump The found in trees. validity minors, mailed for sale to its story reported quoted police that had should be ef- tested in terms evil year saying “he old salesman as reading fects obscenity of adult on drove to the with the school teach area” adult conduct.43 lack With the er, that “the two relations on had publications probably evidence that got argument,” ground, and later into an effects, govern- have such how can the after which her times he “struck three discharge ment its burden of demonstrat- and, rock, on the back of the head with a ing sufficiently that the statute is with- away.” leaving there, Al her drove exceptions scope in the narrow to though today one prove, no can one the First Amendment? would think One may suspect such sex and stories possibility that the mere re- of a causal daily press im violence in pact have more ought surely lation to misconduct not be young on readers than do those - enough. books,” daily press the “comic since the Congress express Even if an made had reports reality books” while “comic legislative finding probable evil .the largely fic to avowed confine themselves influence, conduct, on adult of adult read Wertham, fantasy.42a Yet tion or Dr. ing seeing publications,43a obscene legislation propose who and most others courts would not be bound that find books” to chil of “comic curb the sale to ing, justified See, if it were not fact. dren, propose not extend that it should g., Corp. Sinclair, e. Chastleton v. Why newspapers.42b not? to 841, U.S. question reference is relevant (per Holmes, J.) where the Court said application stat- (declaring of a statute existence ready prose- prosecutors ute : Are our emergency) an liberty that “a is at Court not publishers newspaper un- reputable cute eyes its shut obvious mis not. do Act? I not think der that take, validity when the de the law suggest urge prosecutions. I do such upon pends the truth is of what declar validity of that statute has that ed.” And the Court there and elsewhere challenged vigorously because it has been judiciary may ju has held that the use important applied persons like ascertaining, not been dicial notice in- truth but, instead, legislative publishers has been .such a declaration.4 arguable pub- Levine, the fact that 42a. 43. See States ' regarded reader lication F.2d effect the. that “what impact “pornography” effect, upon' any par- influences its counts is its data, however, upon class, reliable No relevant him. ticular whom all those likely is available. to reach'.” Congress finding. 43a. no made ask one would dare of a news- 42b. “No Report There is such in the Senate none paper it observe the same restraints (supporting the 1955 amendment of Sec- constantly being demanded of 1461) quoted by Judge tion Clark in his ** Larrabee, the comic book.” footnote'5. Censorship, Context Sex Cultural Contemp.Problems' (1955) 673, Rumely, Law 44. Cf. United States n ‘ 543, 97 73 S.Ct. L.Ed.
819 Montaigne's valid,.why Essay on in this case with If punish- Virgil Congress provide validly Some Lines of or with Chaucer. many pictures mailing will Or consider nude books which ment for through provoke thoughts unde- which the defendant transmitted considers reproduc- mails, politics? and then turn to religion or sirable about painting and in the articles tions sculpture valid, then, If consider- the statute is Encyclopedia Britannica in the ing foregoing, that its seem it would (14th edition) latter are :45 Some of the ground: validity Con- rest on must led to “obscene” than those no less constitutionally gress, by statute, may En- Yet these the defendants’ conviction. mailing provide punishment for the readily cyclopedia accessible volumes are feelings thoughts evoking or books mere old, and, everyone, young without or sex, Congress so- them about considers frequently hindrance, mailed or are let cially dangerous, in the absence even Catalogues, country. parts of the any satisfactory evidence museums, equally almost famous art bring thoughts feelings or will tend mailed, contain and also often accessible reproductions socially that be If about correct, harmful deeds. sculpture, paintings why, it is to understand hard great masters, no “obscene.”46 less Congress similarly, may not constitution- ally provide punishment for such distri- argument (and To the that such books thoughts evoking mere bution books reproductions paintings famous religion politics, feelings, or about sculpture) and works of statutory ban, fall within Congress socially dan- considers the courts answered gerous, satis- even absence they “classics,” of “liter- that ary are —books thoughts factory evidence that those works which distinction” or have “an bring socially feelings will about tend to including, accepted place arts,” dangerous deeds. held, Art of court has Ovid’s Love so this
and Boccacio’s Decameron.47 There is exception 2. Judicial “curious this an- dilemma” involved “only “classics” condemns swer the statute merit,” without books which are dull and said, I As I have have no doubt the ap- in no will statute be- event reasonably find, beyond jury a rea- could “classics,” e., plied i. “of books lit- doubt, publica- sonable 48 erary distinction.” The courts have by defendant were obscene tions mailed explained escape how that dilem- judicial the current definition of within ma, gone but instead seem to have explained by judge the trial term as sleep (although uncomfortably) rather charge so, too-, jury. But to the in his horns. o-nits recognized a multitude works.of Compare, public up libraries. This dilemma would seem show art found instance, which are basic constitutional flaw stat- books exhibits 17, p. 36, See, g., g., Levine, See, Plate e. e. Vol. No. 47. United States v. 156, 157; 4, reproducing Cir., “Birth of Ve 83 F.2d United States v. Botticelli’s 2, reproduc Cir., ; p. 38, VIII, Ulysses, Book Plate No. One Entitled nus” 705; Couch”; Goldman, ing Cir., on a F.2d “Woman Vol. Roth Titian’s V, reproducing 20, p. 202, Plate No. F.2d 788. Satyr”; “Nymph p. 204, Clodion’s Goldman, 48. See Roth v. reproducing VI, Rodin’s “The Plate Kiss.” argue straight No one can face App. v. United Parmelee See reading (1) that an obscene “classic” F.2d 734 and note 19. D.C. library less harmful effects published Masterpieces that, See, g., Painting “classics” often are e. as the volumes, Gallery expensive they usually National affect of Art From large 1944) 68, 72, 114; only persons incomes, (Cairns ed. who have and Walker right Catalogue persons’ pecul- Pictures to read is Collected Yale that such iarly privileged. Alumni *23 currently attempt ute: accepted No one can reconcile the to control what our citizens see, im- test of with the read and First Amend violates.the munity g., of such rationally justify “classics” as e. Aristo- ment. For no one can phanes’ Lysistratra, judge-made Canter- Chaucer’s exception. The conten bury Tales, Gargantua scarcely pass Rabelais’ tion would as rational Pantagruel, Shakespeare’s solely Venus and the “classics” will be read or seen Adonis, Fielding’s Jones, elite; for, Balzac’s Tom an intellectual or artistic ignoring snobbish, Droll Stories. For writ- such “obscene” even undemo ings, just greater cratic, contention, because of artis- their nature of this there try charm, presumably far is will have no evidence that that elite a moral greater (an immunity dull in- fortitude influence readers than from moral cor writings. ruption) superior artistic exception, “masses.” And if the to make It will not do differentiate “clas- rational, meaning it contemporary were taken as that a sic,” ground published past, on the exempt book is if average comported that it mor- with the equates “literary distinction” with the place al of its attitudes at the time “classics,” amazing: the result would be original publication. Often this was not Judges literary would have serve as instance, true, true. It was critics; merge jurisprudence would Stories,49 Droll Balzac’s a “classic” now aesthetics; publishers authors and would freely by many public circulated libra- legal digests legal-artistic consult the precedents; ries, been therefore must have day we would some transported by (or mail in interstate Legal Restatement of Lit the Canons of commerce). point, if the More to erary Taste. the Amer- issue is whether a book meets ican common time, conscience exception The of the “classics” “average” question is how Consequently, therefore irrational. regard book, how now Americans interpret would seem that we should regarded published, it was when first rationally e., statute ex- without that —i. age Why here or abroad. should the ception. If, however, exception, as an relevant? After “obscene” book be exception, irrational, ap- then it would many years how 50 or 100—does that, pear valid, render the státute —25 writing qualify ? such a as a “classic” applied standard to the “classics” should applied pictures. be to all books The truth is that the courts have ex- that, result would be stitutional, in order to be con- cepted the “classics” from the federal ob- wholly statute must be scenity statute, since otherwise most inefficacious. deprived Americans would be of access to many masterpieces of literature and the censorship 3. How under the stat- arts, pictorial yielding and a statute actually operates: ute deprivation only laughably would not (a) Prosecutors, actually squarely censors, oppose absurd but would in- prior tention of the men exercise restraint. cultivated who framed adopted the First Amendment. punishment power Fear serves aas exception This to be found publication, —nowhere ful restraint on and fear judge-made in the statute 50—is a device punishment means, practically, often fear absurdity. invented avoid that prosecution. For most men in dread judges fact that sity have felt the neces publicity prosecution; dictment and seeking avoidance, serves to terrifies, alone and to defend a criminal suggest forcibly statute, that the in its expensive. action If the definition Goldman, in Roth recognized See discussion classics books and estab- page F.2d * * literary merit,” lished “imported importation if for noncommercial relating 50. The to ob purposes”; so, Secretary scenity, does § U.S.C.A. make an explicit exception Treasury “so-called has discretion to admit them. *24 fairly power, without Postmaster obscenity well General the limited and a had might any standard, re deter to close the scope, reference fear that known any publication happened only. But mails to he publications sorts of stricted prosecutor, vague Yet, judi a extremely federal of the on account dislike.55 statute, ap person under a federal of the cial definition obscene,51 proximates position: Within wide mails prosecution if he with threatened limits, (on Post he com can advice in interstate (or otherwise sends advice) master no merce) any which deals General on one’s 52 book almost threat, unorthodox, censorship unconventional, a manner exercise such an that, trial, any judicial apprehend su may without a without well with sex,53 arbitrarily. out, capriciously pervision, he will and carried threat should be Having special qualifications result, prosecu for that no punished. a each As be can, large (i. nevertheless, e., task, literary meas dicta he censor a tor becomes ure, power, a his will what tor) determine unbridled immense may A read on sexual virtually within district his uncontrolled discretion.54 gave way, In that the statute which be invalid statute would subjects.56 appeal; Books, Inc., infra, Bantam point discus on for further modified 51. See N.J.Super. 292, Melko, 96 vagueness. 25 A.2d of that sion 14 103 256. modified N.J. A.2d transportation, see 18 interstate 52. As to prosecutor If, however, confines substan- which contains U.S.C. § prosecution, a threat himself to mere provisions tially as 18 U.S.O. same to restrain reluctance traditional 1461. i very probably prosecutions will criminal injunc to obtain such make difficult Obscenity Kaplan, An Esthetic 53. See McCaffrey, Co. Book tion. Sunshine Sup., Contemp.Problems Category, 20 Law & 476; see also U. 112 N.Y.S.2d (1955) as to “conventional 551-552 ; Chicago (1954) 216 Harv. L.Rev. obscenity,” he as “the defines (1955) L.Rev. 489. quality any sexual which attacks work may particularly with re true This be essence, practices. patterns it is In and prosecutor. spect federal See Mr. Jus to a heterodoxy, presentation of a sexual Prosecutor, Jackson, The Federal tice accepted rejection of standards of sexual (feder 18: “The Am.Jud.Soc. J. of Zola, provide Shaw Ibsen and behavior. life, al) prosecutor has more control over surprises examples. no one familiar any liberty, reputation than other of Nana wrote author also J’Ac- person His discretion tre in America. Ghosts, Enemy cuse; Peo- An He can have citizens investi mendous. Profession, ple; Mrs. Saint Warren’s gated and, person, if he is that kind of Joan.” pub done to can have this the tune also, McClure, See Lockhart Ob- or unveiled in statements veiled lic scenity Contemp. Courts, 20 Law & prosecutor may Or the choose timations. 596-597 as to Problems simply a more subtle course have a “ideological obscenity”; note that prose: interviewed. The friends citizen’s generally (at refrained the courts have arrests, order cases to cutor can basing explicitly) their deci- least grand jury session, in secret and on pre- rulings literally may sions presentation basis of his one-sided guard against change in scribed to cepted ac- facts, the citizen can cause to be standards, moral “because held for trial. He dis indicted and ruling fly squarely would in the face trial, the ease before which ease miss very purpose guaranteeing for free- defense never has a chance to be expression and would dom of thus raise heard.” questions.” constitutional serious Joseph See, g., Burstyn, Inc., e. v. Wil- court, publisher, at the suit of a One son, 72 S.Ct. L.Ed. enjoined police chief of went be —who prosecution yond threat of ordered therefore, is, whether, to sell doubtful booksellers certain books— 56. It 656-; ground suggested (loe. Emerson on the the officer ex cit. at had calling punishment powers; 660), his ceeded brary New American Li in very Allen, arbitrary much of World Literature v. less D.C. volves conduct F.Supp. very censorship Ohio, much In another simi less than one calling prior case, prosecutor fact, restraint. lar where was actual en injunction joined, prosecution, prose order was much threats brings spite lawyers prior about añ restraint the “obscene’’ tales fre actual lacking another, speech- quently press free strik tell and free one data lawyers ingly :group as a become sin Amendment.57 flouts the First gularly depraved addicted sexual con (b) Judges as censors. duct, judges should not that “ob conclude prosecution When a and a is instituted *25 scenity” importantly does not contribute begins, censorship power trial passes much misconduct, to such and. that therefore judge: with- the trial If he sits the statute is unconstitutional ? jury, aout he book must decide a whether ' (c) by then, jury, is obscene. If trial Jurors as cetísons. obscene, plainly not thinks the book jury case; judge If in a the trial does or, he directs a for verdict the accused judgment not direct a verdict or enter a judg- guilt, after of enters a a'verdict acquittal, jury of exercises the cen- acquittal. judge ment of How does the power. sorship Courts said determine a whether book obscene? jury peculiar aptitude has a as a cen- by way Not of evidence at the introduced obscenity, since, representing sor of trial, way by judicial some of of sort community, cross-section of the it knows . judicial notice. Whence come notice peculiarly well.the “common conscience” data inform him? of the time. Yet no statistician would conceivably accept jury— the views of a judges Those whose views most know persons, twelve at chosen random—as Judges lawyers. best are other can and - sample community fair of attitudes judicial that, many should take gatherings notice at subject obscenity. particu- such a as A lawyers of at Bar Association jury may lar voice “moral senti- leading schools,58 or of alumni our law generation ago, ments” of a not of the fully tales are told as “obscene” as present time. by men, of those distributed like defend ant, jury convicted for Each violation of the ob verdict in an case scenity judges, sagely “really statute. Should then has been called a small bit legislation they jury set aside such If convictions? do ad hoc”.59 So each a'tiny they legislature. not, arrogantly constitutes are not somewhat autonomous concluding lawyers. exempt Any tiny legislature, that. an such expe- are one elite, by teaches, unharmed what will rience other, harm well differ from legislating obscenity. of other Americans? thus multitude If law as to yers then, since, And, may ask, purpose such elite are not an one was ' prior startling “prosecutor exercise cutor does restraint. For instan'ees therefore, censorship” Much, says Blanshard, Right that Emerson see The by prior ap 190; 184-186, authorized restraint Read ofU. Chi- censorship plies through cago well'as to á L.Rev. prosecution: prosecutor’s threats The Goldman, Cir., Roth v. See 172 F.2d safeguards “procedural built around crim page (concurring opinion) : at stronger prosecution” (the inal burden lyrics sung many “One thinks proof, evidence, stricter rules gatherings respected certain procedufe) tighter ab likewise faculty and- conservative member of the single The “decision sent. rests with a great óf law-school which it- considers ' Official, functionary,”' rather than distinguished the most self and which is prosecutor, The courts. with the many judges sitting the Alma Mater of accomplishes prosecution, pri-. threats of n ; ©,nupper courts.” . screen; of infor .'“behind .a restraint -Lives, Aubrey’s ’¡containing, many “sa- mality partial concealment delights tales, great- lacious” some of our opportunity, pub curtails seriously - - ¡ judges. est entailing
lic
“chance’'
appraisal”
the.
n
was
Mr.
Holmes
a constant
Justice.
and other
of discrimination
“policies
abuse.”'
“naughty
reader of
French novels.” See
actions”,
prosecutor,
Bent,
(1932) 16,
Justice O. W.- Holmes
censorship by
prosecu-i
threats
n
(cid:127)
, *
:'-
-134.
.
tiOn,
“likely
pub:
to"
known
are not
.
debated;
liely
study
2 Cir.,
Levine,
material and-:
59
United States
* n
.
7
“readily
criticism”' a're:
available.”
5
1
guardianship
repugnant to the
mental
Amendment,
hun-
authorize
First
According
democracy:
with basic tenet of our
jury-legislatures,
of divers
dreds
ideals,
are self-
citizens
our
our adult
beliefs,
whether
to
guardians,
discrepant
to decide
fathers,
own
act as their
statutes
divers
hundreds
to enact
not
interfering
self-dependent.61 When
expression?
and thus become
freedom
governmental
act
towards
our
infra,
difference
note,
officials
the vast
(I shall
“Papa
juries of
our citizens on the thesis
applications
between
you,”
good
“ob-
knows best what’s
standard
man”
“reasonable
To
spirit
citizens:
standard.)
enervate
scenity”
grown
is to make
men
infants
treat
like
dangerously
nature
infectious
infantile; dependent, immature.
them
censorship
books
governmental
*26
per-
sagacious
ideas or
of
men
insisted.
control
So
often
have
Governmental
democracy. Milton,
Areopagitica,
preferences
to
is alien
in his
denounced
sonal
governmental
yearning
paternalism:
use
to
censure them for
And
“We
n censorship
unguided
giddy,
people, in
is infectious.
of
kind
and
vicious
Commencing
insidiously.
(a)
may spread
of faith
such sick and weak
state
obscene, it
suppression
as
of books
with
and discretion
toas
be able to take down
develop
unlikely
nothing
through
lust
official
into
pipe
is not
to
of a licen-
thought-control
power
people
sor.”
both
for the
“We
consider the
as
religion, politics,
children,”
Dupont
elsewhere.
our
areas
wrote Jefferson
“licensing of books
Nemours,
you
observed
Milton
* *
“but
in-
de
them as
.love
along
necessarily pulls
you
whom
with-
fants
afraid to trust
licensing." J.
S.
freely
nurses,
kinds
other
and I as
out
adults whom
of what
self-government.”
“bounds
Tocqueville
Mill noted
leave to
may easily
police”
sagely
moral
be called
remarked: “No form combina-
yet
most
policy
encroaches on the
extend “until it
tion
social
has
been devised
liberty
legitimate
energetic
of the
unquestionably
people
an
make
a commu-
nity
should
pusillanimous
We
beware
individual.”
citi-
and enfeebled
“Man,”
Goethe,
doc-
of the undemocratic
recrudescence
zens.”
ily
“is eas-
warned
century by
17th
slavery
uttered
trine
accustomed
and learns
Virginia:
Berkeley,
“Thank
quickly
Governor
obedient when his freedom
preach-
are no free schools
Becker,
God there
from
taken
him.”
Carl
Said
learning
brought
ing,
“Self-government,
spirit
disobedi-
has
and the
of free-
world,
printing
it,
ence into
dom that sustains
can be maintained
(cid:127)divulged
keep
God
us
both."
them.
people
intelli-
sufficient
gence
honesty
self-guardians:
to maintain them with
people
censor-
The
legal compulsion.
by public
This
ship
opinion,
a minimum
heavy responsibility
government
price
is the
of free-
“great art,” according
dom.”
The
Plato,
democracy, pro-
who detested
Milton, “lies
discern in what
the law is
poets;
posed
and his rulers
to banish
punishment,
“guardians”
to bid restraint and
and in
peo-
to serve
were
things persuasion only
good, vig-
telling
people’s
what
to work.”
ple,
lies for the
writings
back,
more,
orously
suppressing
once
these So we come
to Jeffer-
dangerous.60
thought
guardians
only completely
Govem-
The
advice:
demo-
son’s
blueprint
Story
; Catlin,
(1934)
“an
ideal
Plato furnished
The
60.
Political
society”; Chroust,
52, 58, 65-66;
Philosophers
(1939)
Book
totalitarian
Fal-
Rev.,
(1956)
Aspects
Law
len,
Censorship,
1 Natural
Forum
Ethical
Open
Popper,
Through
The
So-
also
See
Morals
Public
Protection
(1950);
Frank,
ciety
Censorship
(1953)
Enemies
and Its
53-54.
(1949) 146-147,
Trial
Courts
350,
Frank,
Guardianship
Self
61. .See
405-406;
Frank,
Fate
Democracy,
(1947)
16 Am.Scholar
(1949)
note
Freedom
Responsibility
Becker,
Angels
10; Frank,
Freedom and
Men
If
Were
note
Way
Legend
192; Fite,
of Life
The Platonic
the American
way
publications
charge
discipline
cratic
to control
to be in
their
feelings
thoughts
energies
mere
arouse
own
and ardors. The conditions
through non-governmental
censorship by
for'demoeracy and for art are one
public opinion.
liberty
politics
same. What we call
re-
sults in freedom of
arts.”
The con-
seeming paradox of the
5. The
verse is also true.
Amendment.
First
when, perforce,
In our industrial
era
para-
apparent
Here
we encounter
pursuits
be, increasingly,
economic
must
judicially
Amendment,
dox: The First
governmentally regulated,
especially
it is
enforced,
public opinion when
curbs
important
that the realm of art —the non-
translated into
restricts
free,
economic realm —should remain
un-
(except
expression
that which
freedom of
regimented,
the domain of free enter-
probably
con-
will
undesirable
induce
prise,
unhampered competition
at its
duct).
paradox
is unreal:
maximum.65 An individual’s taste is his
public opinion
Amendment ensures that'
own, private,
gustibus
concern. De
non
—the “common
the time”
conscience of
disputandum represents
a valued demo-
leg-
through
—shall
commit suicide
cratic maxim.
today
islation which
choices
free
off
*27
expression
may
minority
though
views which
.Milton wrote:
“For
a licenser
opinion
public
happen
majority
judicious
become the
should
to be
more than
* * *
ordinary, yet
very
tomorrow.
office
enjoins
pass nothing
him to let
but what
may validly
persons
groups,
Private
vulgarly
already.”
asked,
is
received
He
opinion.
public
try to influence
conformity
“What a fine
would
starch
obviously has
The First Amendment
* * *
* *
us all
into?
We
fall
nothing
way persons
do with
the.
”
* *
gross conformity
into
stupidly
government,
groups,
part of
in-
not
Mill,
In
essay
J. S.
in his
on Liber-
public opinion as what consti-
fluence
ty,
conformity
maintained that
in taste is
“obscenity.”
“decency” or
tutes
not a virtue
danger,”
but a vice.
“The
Church,
example,
Catholic
has a con-
wrote,
“is not the excess but
the de-
right
persuade
stitutional
or instruct
ficiency
impulses
personal
prefer-
designated
its adherents
read
By
following
ences.
dint of not
their
books or kinds of books.
(men)
own nature
have no nature
fol-
6. The fine arts are within
*
the First
*
low
spontaneity
Individual
is
protection.
Amendment’s
* * *
entitled to free exercise
That
“The
framers
the First Amend-
so few men dare to be eccentric marks
ment,”
Chafee,
writes
“must
danger
have had
the chief
of the time.” Pressed
mind,
literature
and art
our
because
conformity,
the demand for
people
first
subject
national statement on the
degenerate
deep
into “the
slumber of a
press,’
‘freedom of the
address
opinion,” yield
decided
a “dull and tor-
Congress
of the Continental
to the inhab-
pid consent” to the accustomed.
“Men-
Quebec, declared,
itants
import-
‘The
despotism”
tal
ensues.
For “whatever
(freedom
ance
press)
of this
con-
individuality
despotism
crushes
sists,
* * *
truth,
beside the advancement of
whatever name it be called
science, morality
general,
and arts in
in.
by wearing
is not
down into uniform-
its diffusion of liberal sentiments on the
ity all
themselves,
individual
government.”
administration
by cultivating
it,
calling
years later, President Franklin Roosevelt
forth,
imposed
within
the limits
said, “The arts
except
cannot
thrive
rights and
others,
interests of
that hu-
where men are free to be themselves
beings
and man
become a noble and beautiful
Chafee,
63.
Government
and Mass Com-
Art, May
Museum of Modern
York
New
munication
53.
8, 1939.
Message
dedicating
64.
exercises of the
Frank,
Fate and Freedom
194-
object
contemplation;
the au-
and as
The motive or
intention
thor, publisher
partake
who
cannot be
works
the character
those
or distributor
them, by
process
life
human
the test.
do
the same
diversified,
rich,
also
and ani-
becomes
Some courts
motive
once held that the
* * *
mating
proportion
author, painter, pub-
or intention of the
individuality,
development
each
of his
lisher or
test
distributor
constituted
himself,
person becomes more valuable to
obscenity.
test,
the courts have
That
being
capable
and is therefore
more
abandoned:
That a man who mails
greater
to others.
is a
valuable
There
picture
entirely “pure”
book or
believes it
existence,
fullness of life
his own
about
is no defense
finds it obscene.
court
in the units
and when there is more life
United States v.
Ulysses,
Book Entitled
One
com-
there is more in
mass which is
Nor,
708.68
posed of them.”
conversely,
criminally
will he be
liable
mailing
“pure” publication-
prosecu-
—Ste-
To vest a few fallible men—
venson’s Child’s Garden of Verses or a
tors, judges, jurors
powers of
vast
—with
simple
Washington
photograph of the
literary
censorship,
or artistic
to convert
mistakenly
ob-
Monument—he
believes
them into
J. Mill
what
S.
called a “moral
scene.
“ob-
Most courts now look to the
police,”
despotic
them
arbiters
to make
jective” intention,
can
mean
literary
day
products.
they
If one
ban
the effect
book or
who read the
day
obscene,
mediocre books as
another
picture;69
see the
of the mail-
motive
genius.
may do
likewise to a work
er is
cannot affect
irrelevant because it
Originality,
plentiful,
too
should be
that effect.
cherished, not
An
im-
stifled.
author’s
agination may
cramped if he
must
Judge
Bok’s decision as to the
*28
eye
prosecutors
write with
or
one
on
causal relation to anti-social
juries;
cope
publish-
authors must
conduct.
who,
judgments
ers
fearful
about the
Gordon, 1949,
In Commonwealth v.
66
governmental
may
censors,
ac-
refuse to
101, Judge
Pa.Dist. & Co.R.
Bok said:
cept
manuscripts
contemporary
book,
sexually impure
“A
however
Shelleys or Mark Twains or Whitmans.66
* * *
pornographic
cannot be
a
fight
danger
stubbornly
Some few men
for the
unless its reader closes
right
publish
it, lays
aside,
to write or
or distribute
and transmutes its erotic
great majority
books which the
at the
allurement into overt action. That such
jail
inevitably
time consider
few,
If
loathsome. we
action must
follow as a direct
community
reading
may appear
consequence
to have
the book
does
nothing.
appearance
analysis,
gen-
suffered
The
is de
nor is
bear
it borne out
ceptive.
punish
experience;
For the conviction and
human
too much can in-
eral
terrify
ment of these few will
writers
tervene and too
diversions take
* * *
eager
sensitive,
only
place
pres-
who are
more
less
for a
clear and
* * *
fight. What,
result,
danger
satisfy
as a
do not
ent
that will
*
*
* *
* *
might
major literary
write
have been
the Constitution
“Suppression,” Spinoza
contributions.67
commission or
the imminence of the
said,
paring
“is
down the state till it
of criminal
commission
behavior result-
reading
ing
too small to harbor men of talent.”
of a book.
Publica-
Blessings
States,
Chafee,
29,
Liberty
68. Rosen v. United
161
U.S.
67. Cf.
41-42,
16 S.Ct.
writing
question:
See,
In
'opinion
mails a book or
e.
tendency
one
exists
ternational
v.
thereto
Harvester
America
Co. of
Kentucky,
insufficient
U.S.
such a result is
Commonwealth
216,
234
self-evident is
853,
1284;
connection
34
and irrelevant.
S.Ct.
58
The causal
L.Ed
Grocery Co.,
criminal be-
v.
U.S.
between the book
States
L. Cohen
255
Connally
81,
298,
516;
appear beyond
41
a reasonable
S.Ct.
65
havior must
L.Ed.
Co.,
385,
v.
doubt.”
General
U.S.
Construction
269
126,
322;
46 S.Ct.
70
v.
L.Ed.
Cline
agree with
I
I
confess that
incline
Dairy Co.,
445,
Frink
274
47
U.S.
S.Ct.
Judge
opinion.
Bok’s
I think
But
Refining
681,
1146; Champlin
71 L.Ed.
(a)'
respects:
should be modified a few
Corporation Commission,
v.
286 U.S.
Co.
opinion
Supreme
Court’s
Because
210,
1062;
559,
52 S.Ct.
Lan
76 L.Ed.
494,
case, 1951,
341 U.S.
Dennis
Jersey,
v.
U.S.
zetta
State of
L.Ed;
New
1137,
857, 95
since
S.Ct.
decided
888;
Musser
S.Ct.
L.Ed.
Judge Bok-wrote,.I
ele
would stress the
Utah,
v.
State
333 U.S.
speaking of
probability
ment of
562;
People
Winters
danger
danger.” - (b)
think the
“clear
York,
507, 68 S.
State of New
333 U.S.
inducing
probably
be
need not be that
840;
Ct.
L.Ed.
States
cf. United
already
made
havior which has
been
Cardiff,
73 S.Ct.
statute,
-by
criminal at common -law or
L.Ed. 200.
inducing any
probably
se
rather of
but
riously
*29
e.,
(i.
conduct
anti-social conduct
generally
accept
If we
as correct the
which, by statute,
validly made
be
could
judicial
obscenity—
current
standard
crime),
(c) I think
a state
federal
or
“average
conscience of the time”—
not
be
causal
need
be
that the
relation
markedly
standard still
un-
remains
par
and a
such anti-social
tween
conduct
guide
jurors—
judges
certain
a
trial,
on
book
in the case
ticular
involved
to a
and therefore
contem-
citizen who
and,
between
conduct
a
but rather
such
mailing
plates
picture.
To
be
book
type
kind
of the
involved
book
sure,
juries
we trust
use their common
.
case.70
applying
sense
“reasonable man”
(cid:127) argument.
void-for-vagueness
prosecutions
9. The
standard
for criminal
negligence (or
like);
man
has to
doubting-
There is another reason for
jury
the-,
take
chances
verdict in such
obscenity,
constitutionality of
case,
certainty
jury
no
with
that a
will
exquisite vagueness
of the
statute.
although
jury
him
convict
another
“obscenity”
not
may acquit
apparent
from the
word
map on the
way the-judicial
qf
same evi-
definition
that word
another
shifting:
nothing
(as
saw)
But that
kept
standard
dence.71
has
Once
we
n According
States,
Judge Bok,
obscenity
373,
United
Nash v.
229 U.S.
780,
1232;
validly
377,
57 L.Ed.
enforced
33 S.Ct.
when
a,-causal
be-,
Wurzbach,
proof
-
396, 399,
;of
280 U.S.
relation
States v.
there
particular
167,
508;
book and
S.Ct.
74 L.Ed.
United States
tween
undesirable
50
-
'
proof
Ragen,
513, 523,
surely;
conduct, Almost-
can-
314
62
v.
U.S.
S.Ct.
.3
case,,
374,
in'stánt
évet be addticéd.
In the
827 resembling remotely the’looseness UNITED STATES of ex America rel. “obscenity” standard. LANGER, Appellant, Reinhold against stronger argument There is a v. analogy man” test: “reasonable Joseph RAGEN, Warden, E. Illinois State obscenity would Even standard Penitentiary, Joliet, Illinois, were freedom sufficient definiteness Appellee. expression involved, it would seem No. 11789. vague justify for an basis far too as a Appeals United States Court of exception See First Amendment. to the Seventh Circuit. Stromberg People of of Cali v. State 1, Nov. 532, fornia, 359, 75 L. 283 U.S. 51 S.Ct. 1117; Lowry, U.S. Ed. 301 Herndon v. 1066; 242, 732, Win 81 L.Ed. S.Ct. York, People New ters v. of State of 840; L.Ed. S.Ct. York, People Kunz v. of New State 280; L.Ed. 71 S.Ct. U.S. Burstyn, Inc., Wilson, 343 U.S. 1098; Callings, Con L.Q. Uncertainty, stitutional 40 Cornell
(1955) 194, 214-218. Rebhuhn, Cir.,
In United States 512, 514, tersely re- the court
jected contention that citing vague, relying statute is too
on Rosen v. United 161 U.S.
16 S.Ct.
under that statute. WATERMAN, Judge (concur- Circuit
ring) . colleagues my I concur with affirm *30 ing judgment below. I dis would
pose in one sentence of the claim ad applicable statute,
vanced that unconstitutional, U.S.C.A. § constitutionality
I believe the of such legislation is well settled that: “If the
question reopened Supreme is to be open Tyomies Publishing
Court must it.
Company v. United 211 F. quoting .Hand, J., Learned C. 385”— Rebhuhn, Cir., 1940,
United States v. page F.2d certiorari de 310 U.S.
nied L.Ed. Judge with Chief concur Clark disposition remaining
in his is
sues. 3. Notes State of given Padover, him See Franklin. The 1781-1785), VI; Query Padover, See Papers Washington (1955) 112. Complete Jefferson 567 at . Judge Bok, See in Commonwealth v. 612 Gordon, 66 Pa.Dist. & R. 120- Co. Jefferson, Autobiography (1821); 4. See “One need 121: recall Padover, cit., loc. post office, Benjamin' father of the Frank- lin, presumably wrote his mailed Jefferson, (1818); Anecdotes of Franklin Young letter of Advice to Men on the Padover, cit., loc. 892 at 893. see * * * Proper Choosing Mistress; of a death, Franklin’s Madison 5a. On offered adultery that Alexander Hamilton’s while following resolution which the House holding public great officecreated no scan- unanimously adopted: Representatives ”* * * dal being informed “The House of the de- Benjamin Franklin, Seagle, (1928)' cease a citizen Ernst and To The Pure genius was not more of an whose orna-' Everyone obscenity legis- human nature than his ment of various interestéd science, deep many writings been óf it have éxértions debt to lation owes country, resolve, subject by and to his freedom do Morris Ernst. For memory, acknowledgment, Acknowledg- mark of veneration due to a- see customary Right Blanshard, members wear ments to Read badge mourning (1955). for one month.”
