Question

Potter Stewart noted that he did not know how to define obscenity but he knew it when he saw it. The Court since then has obviously taken a different view, and has tried to define what is obscene and what is not. Trace the history of obscenity standards as they changed from Roth to Miller. Along with explaining how overall doctrine changed between these cases, you should look at several particular issues. First, explain the specific changes in the definition of obscenity. Second, consider the evolution of what a "community" is according to the Court. Third, discuss the evolution of who must be affected in order for a work to be considered obscene (i.e., children, adults, specific groups, and so on). Finally, explain the distinction between the obscenity standards of a work being "utterly without redeeming social value" and a work lacking any "serious artistic, political, or scientific value."

Answer

A. Varies