This case, decided the same day as Miller, explains how the mechanism of the obscenity definition settled by Miller is based in the Court's understanding of how obscenity harms society. It gives the reasoning behind the Miller decision. A detailed discussion of the Miller Test and the manner in which each of the three prongs must be understood and applied is found with the description of the Washington law. It is concerned with the rationale behind obscenity laws. Several extremely important points are made in this case.
States have a legitimate interest in making obscenity illegal.
Where obscenity is permitted, it has negative effects on society as a whole, meaning the minors and passers-by who are inadvertently exposed, the quality of life and total community environment, the tone of commercial districts, and even public safety. There exists a right of the nation and States to maintain a decent society. The crass commercialization of sex that is obscenity impairs that right. There is no right of privacy that protects viewing obscene material in a place where the public is admitted. It is not possible to permit individuals to enjoy obscene material in the privacy of their own homes, without at the same time permitting an industry in obscene material to thrive that inevitably interferes with the private lives of other citizens and especially families.