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How has the US Supreme Court's interpretation of obscenity changed over time?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
That has greatly varied. The most serious attempt to define it was when it was ruled that in order for something to be regarded as "obscene" it would have to utterly lack any " scientific, literary, artistic, political or social value", often called the SLAPS test. (The current standard is called the Miller Test; see Related Questions)
It has also depended on "community values", a rather nebulous term that in all practicality means "whatever the loudest citizen's group in your town can bully the DA into prosecuting".
It has even been circularly defined. As in: What is" Obscenity"? See prurient. What is "Prurient"? See obscenity.
Justice Potter Stewart, in 1964, quite honestly admitted that he could not define obscenity, but famously said, "I know it when I see it".
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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What is the major job for the supreme court?
The Supreme Court reviews the rulings of the lower Federal Courts. They hear cases that they grant certiorary to typically related to Constitutional law. Their rulings are the official Federal interpretation of the law.
The Supreme Court is mainly what kind of court?
In most cases, supreme courts are final appellate courts.
Which statement is not true about state supreme courts?
the ruling of state supreme courts are always the final judgment on a matter.
What kind of courts report to the Supreme Court?
The US Supreme Court is head of the Judicial Branch of government. The "inferior" courts in this branch are:US District CourtsUS Court of International TradeUS Court of Appeals Circuit Courts
What types of courts exist in most states?
state supreme courts
what is the importance of the 14th amendment and the supreme courts interpretation of how the bill of rights applies throughout the country?
Share what is the importance of the 14th amendment and the supreme courts interpretation of how the bill of rights applies throughout the country?
What type of cases does supreme courts hear?
The Supreme Court hears any cases that involve the interpretation of the Constitution.
Who is in charge of interpreting the Bill of Rights?
Bill of rights interpretation will be required during dispute. In that case interpretation will be by Judiciary branch which is courts. Could be lower courts or Supreme Court
Who is responsible for the formal interpretation of a State's constitutional and statutory law?
State courts interpret state laws, and state supreme courts interpret state constitutions.
What doctrine that was based upon the United states supreme courts interpretation of the necessary and proper clause is?
enumerated
What protections does obscenity receive from the courts?
The question is mis-leading and assumes an unproveable fact. Obscenity (as defined by the courts) receives no protection from the judicial system. Certain cases charging 'obscenity' have been brought to court and been rejected on the 'Free Speech' or 'Free Press' grounds but many have been prosecuted as well.
Do courts make the final determination on issues involving constitutional interpretation?
Yes, the courts interpret the Constitution. The Supreme Court of the United States, specifically, makes the final determination about how the Constitution should be interpreted.
What is a 'certificate' to the US Supreme Court?
A certificate is the means by which a lower court (typically the US Court of Appeals Circuit Courts) requests an answer or guidance on a point of law or constitutional interpretation from the US Supreme Court. This practice is rare. The last time the Supreme Court accepted a certificate was in 1982. It is much more common for the federal District Courts to submit certificates to the US Court of Appeals Circuit Courts.
Which branch interprets the law?
Well, All the branches do the law interpretation for their own needs and uses. The interpretation made by Legislative branch is called Authentic Interpretation (interpretation made by the author (of law) itself ) But the most important interpretation is the one made by Courts. Especially the interpretation of Constitutional court (in countries where they exist ) or Supreme Courts.This interpretation is final.
Can supreme courts rule over intermediate appellate courts?
Yes, that is why the court is "supreme."
What is the major job for the supreme court?
The Supreme Court reviews the rulings of the lower Federal Courts. They hear cases that they grant certiorary to typically related to Constitutional law. Their rulings are the official Federal interpretation of the law.
What authority is given to government agencies to interpret the constitution?
Interpretation is left up to the Supreme Court and other lower courts. Agencies have no authority to interpret the Constitution.
