Document: 481 U.S. 497 107 S.Ct. 1918 95 L.Ed.2d 439 Richard POPE and Charles G. Morrison, Petitionersv.ILLINOIS. No. 85-1973. Argued Feb. 24, 1987. Decided May 4, Syllabus Under Miller v. California, 413 15, 93 2607, 37 419, the third or "value" prong of tripartite test for judging whether material is obscene requires trier fact to determine "whether work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, scientific value." After petitioners, both whom were attendants at adult bookstores, sold certain magazines police, they separately charged with offense "obscenity" under Illinois law. Both trial courts instructed respective juries that, convict, must find, inter alia, that without "value." The also judge was by determining how it would be viewed ordinary adults in whole State Illinois. Appellate Court affirmed petitioners' convictions, rejecting their contention issue determined solely on an objective basis not reference "contemporary community standards." Held: 1. In prosecution sale allegedly materials, jury should apply standards deciding value question. Only first second prongs test—appeal prurient interest patent offensiveness—should decided ideas work represents need obtain majority approval merit protection, does vary from based degree local acceptance has won. proper inquiry member any given find material, but reasonable person such whole. instruction therefore violated First Fourteenth Amendments. Pp. 500-501. 2. Whether convictions reversed outright are subject salvage because erroneous constituted harmless error will this Court, since considered harmless-error issue. Rose Clark, 478 570, 106 3101, 92 460, absence renders fundamentally unfair, conviction where reviewing court can record developed established guilt beyond doubt. Here, jurors precluded considering question, stand despite "community standards" if appellate concludes no rational juror, properly instructed, could petitioners sold. 501-504. 138 Ill.App.3d 726, Ill.Dec. 249, 486 N.E.2d 350 (1985), vacated remanded. WHITE, J., delivered opinion which REHNQUIST, C.J., POWELL, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, JJ., joined, Parts I II BLACKMUN, joined. filed concurring opinion, post, p. ----. part dissenting part, BRENNAN, STEVENS, MARSHALL, all n. 11 Part Glenn A. Stanko, Champaign, Ill., petitioners. Sally Louise Dilgart, Chicago, respondent. Justice WHITE Court. 1 419 (1973), set out obscene. Id., S.Ct., 2614. case whether, may 2 * On July 21, 1983, Rockford, Illinois, police detectives purchased two each attendant bookstore. Petitioners subsequently these magazines. Each petitioner moved dismiss charges against him ground then-current version obscenity statute, Ill.Rev.Stat., ch. 38, ¶ 11-20 (1983), Amendments United States Constitution. argued, among other things, statute unconstitutional failing require question judged "solely opposed [sic ] contemporary App. 8, 22.1 rejected Illinois.2 found guilty, appealed Second District. That standards. (1985); 595, 244, 345 (1985). Supreme denied review, we granted certiorari, 479 812, 61, 20 (1986). 3 There suggestion our cases Indeed, contrary. Smith States, 431 291, 97 1756, 52 324 (1977), held federal mailing offensiveness issues applying then observed unlike appeal offensiveness, "[l]iterary, . discussed terms 301, 1763 (citing F. Schauer, Law Obscenity 123-124 (1976)). This comment meant point oversight call attention approve deliberate choice. 4 itself, careful "[t]he Amendment protects works which, have value, regardless government people represent." U.S., 34, 2620. Just neither, insofar concerned, whole.3 unconstitutional. III 5 remains error. contend invalid its face necessarily because, understand it, allowed preserve law poses threat values. But convicted longer books; been repealed replaced application question.4 Facial invalidation serve purpose preventing future prosecutions constitutionally defective standard. Cf., e.g., Secretary Maryland Joseph H. Munson Co., 467 947, 964-968, 13, 104 2839, 2850-2853, 81 786 (1984). And did facially invalidate reverse still retried provided repeated, plausibly claim failed give them notice materials prosecuted. See Dombrowski Pfister, 380 479, 491, 7, 85 1116, 1123, 14 22 (1965); Thirty-seven Photographs, 402 363, 375, 3, 91 1400, 1408, 28 822 (1971). circumstances, see reason retrial said doubt jury's verdict affected instruction. 6 situation here comparable 460 Rose, murder incorrectly element malice,5 yet appropriate. explained denial right counsel before financially interested judge, "[w]here ." 579, 3106. entirely preclude malice, id., 580, 3107, conceivably had impermissible presumption mind when malice retry defendant facts doubt.6 said: "When presume predicate facts, existence those Connecticut Johnson, 73, 96-97, 103 969, 982-983, 74 823 (1983) (Powell, dissenting). many cases, conclusively establish intent, so committed relevant criminal act intend cause injury." 580-581, 3107. 7 Similarly, present value: informed convict utterly redeeming social value. While instruct use state standard magazines, stand.7 Although plainly authority decide case, constitutional Chapman 386 18, 87 824, 17 705 (1967), do sparingly. supra, 584, 3109. We vacate judgment remand so. 8 It ordered. 9 concurring. 10 join Court's regard think implausible embracing entire "reasonable person" not. At least Constitution offended letting stand. "objective" "serious value," 2614, most faithful assessment what intended, asked reconsider case. note, however, my view quite impossible come (at least) literary artistic there being accomplished who literature Dada, art replication soup can. Since ratiocination little esthetics, fabled man" help inquiry, with, perhaps, "man tolerably good taste"—a description betrays lack ascertainable If evenhanded accurate decisionmaking always regime, matter. better advised adopt legal maxim long wisdom mankind: De gustibus non est disputandum. arguing about taste, litigating it. For "What Beauty" novelty even today's 12 approach proposed STEVENS' dissent eliminate difficulty, arguably aggravates refined enough estimate particular publication; carries refinement meaninglessness ask he Taste being, said, unpredictable, answer "yes"—so practical difference between proposal dissent, asserts more forthrightly "government criminalize mere possession literature, absent some connection minors, obtrusive display unconsenting adults." Post, 513 (footnote omitted). 13 All opinions, suggest, reexamination Miller. part. 15 agree "harmless error" analysis appropriately applied WHITE's (but remanding analysis), believe enunciated meets concerns voiced dissent. points out: "Just won." Ante, 500. further emphasizes: "Of course only minority population mean 'reasonable person' met." 501, 3. Thus, contrary dissent's characterization, "[a] juror create order announces today might well book than 501. Rather, stands clear proposition permit dictate discrete segments population—be composed critics, scholars, scientists—the various pieces work. conclude "a whole." Reasonable certainly differ constitutes merit. ante, 504 (SCALIA, concurring). As SCALIA recognizes his concurrence (although applaud it), envisions protect "obscene." 16 dissenting. STEVENS persuasively demonstrates unconstitutionality criminalizing "obscene" consenting adults. write reiterate regulation respect suffers defect "the concept 'obscenity' cannot defined sufficient specificity clarity provide fair persons distribute sexually oriented prevent substantial erosion protected speech byproduct attempt suppress unprotected speech, avoid very costly institutional harms." Paris Adult Theatre Slaton, 49, 103, 2628, 2657, 446 (1973) (BRENNAN, footnote 18 MARSHALL joins, BRENNAN joins except 11, BLACKMUN I, 19 correctly holds instructions one three essential elements conviction. Nevertheless, disagree disposition separate reasons: (1) harmless; (2) clarify definition Amendment; (3) enjoy read possess them. distribution presumptively Amendment. held, protection literature. prosecutor convince components forth satisfied, may, view, prohibit explicit prosecution, prove addition standard, required proof doubt, "lacks Ibid. 21 finding different conclusion populace considers offensive worthless.1 holds, make finding; instead, "ordinary Illinois" having 25-26. Because instructions, guilty crime. type omission never constitute error.2 prohibits directing Martin Linen Supply 430 564, 572-573, 1349, 1355-1356, 51 642 too, crime proof." Cabana Bullock, 474 376, 384, 689, 696, 88 704 explained: 23 "It hardly saying entered matter strong evidence him, unless presented (or waived) judge) finds defendant's proved 'harmless error' wholly deny charged." Henderson Morgan, 426 637, 650, 96 2253, 2260, 49 108 (1976) (WHITE, concurring) (emphasis added). 24 Yet, exactly happened cases. determination critical prosecution. 25 An doctrine circumstances violate jury, pervert notion When hold occurred interfere ability legitimately reach reached, often appropriate.3 principle support enable remove taint proceedings findings, supplement findings. fundamental (and matter, court) free asked, something find. consistently possibility circumstances. Jackson Virginia, 443 307, 320, 14, 99 2781, 2790, 61 560 (1979); Carpenters 330 395, 408-409, 67 775, 782-783, L.Ed. 973 (1947); Bollenbach 326 607, 615, 66 402, 406, 90 (1946); Marks 188, 196, 12, 990, 995, 260 (1977). 26 suggests "are authority" light decision last term 503—504, 7. emphatically disagree. Clark applicable proof, impermissibly gave option through presumption, violation Sandstrom Montana, 442 510, 2450, 39 (1979), Francis Franklin, 471 105 1965, 344 holding applicable, " 'does intent consideration, distinguishable instructional errors issue.' added), quoting 95, 982, (POWELL, reasoned overwhelming allowing deemed "simply superfluous," 581, 3107 POWELL earlier stated, "dispositive say unnecessary rely presumption." 97, 5, 983, (dissenting opinion). is, course, far different. No ever superfluous, went ultimate modify precedents requiring modified Sixth Amendment's provision "[i]n prosecutions, accused shall impartial jury." 27 Aside clearly reversed, fails accomplish goal ascribes stressing majoritarian states: "The 500—501. 29 problem formulation assumes resolve same way. fact, specific while tell cases.4 30 judgment, communicative sort entitled consider Over 40 years ago, recognized 31 "Under system accommodation widest varieties tastes ideas. What educational public information, art, varies individuals generation another. From multitude competing offerings pick choose. seems trash others fleeting enduring values." Hannegan Esquire, Inc., 327 146, 157-158 [66 456, 461, 586] (1946). 32 ensure laws 'level' available reading lowest common denominator population. obvious neither Ulysses nor Lady Chatterley's Lover population." 144 (1976). A value.5 surely contingent subjective determination. 33 basic why reversed. difficulties inherent reaffirm minors adults.6 During recent struggled obscenity, six Members expressed Amendment, least, precludes sales involved case.7 Dissenting view: 34 standards, national local, average expected consistency. reaction completely private setting context. Studies shown large group concerning neutral significant impact distorting perceptions members normally take position. means subject, ascertainment task, expression individual jurors' sentiments inevitably influence jurors, particularly minority. Moreover, discloses actually apply, decisions effectively unreviewable court. final analysis, innocence primarily reactions rather predictable rules 35 "This especially troubling image—whether created words, sounds, pictures—may produce wide variety reactions. Mr. Harlan noted: '[It is] true man's vulgarity another's lyric. largely officials [or jurors] principled distinctions area leaves matters taste style individual.' Cohen 403 [91 1780, 1788, 284]. line communications 'offend' too blurred identify conduct. delimit protections Amendment." 315-316 [97 1771-1772] (footnotes 36 repeatedly "requires penal define definiteness conduct prohibited manner encourage arbitrary discriminatory enforcement." Kolender Lawson, 461 352, 357, 1855, 1858, 75 903 (1983).8 These requirements overlapping functions. Not vague statutes tend rise selective lessens actor her illegal. Pope Morrison accepted part-time employment clerks examine stores' inventories, had, way knowing any, legally Perhaps enterprise carried clandestine manner, impute knowledge illegal going on. stores signs indicating nature enterprise, claiming store Largest Selection Merchandise Northern Illinois." People's Exhibit People 84-cm-4114 (17th Jud. Cir., Ill. 1984).9 necessary scienter "difficult [he] fully apprised character simply looking them." Pet. Cert. 19. knew "pornographic," knew, known, precedents.10 indeed law, allow remain operation, much less publicly advertise goods.11 Nor examination guidance. 38 ignorance excuse committing presupposes adequately puts citizens tolerate schemes categories conceded uncertain "be legislatively." 303, 1765. legislature crime, Michael to. Criminal "may trap innocent ancient Caligula." Cardiff, 174, 176, 73 189, 190, 200 (1952). Concern vagueness objection criminalization (not involving children) Stanley Georgia, 394 557, 89 1243, 542 (1969), Georgia grounded upon recognition "[o]ur heritage rebels thought giving power control men's minds." 565, 1248. justification Georgia's desire "protect individual's effects obscenity," ibid., concluded "control moral content person's thoughts inconsistent philosophy 565-566, 1248-1249. adopted restrictive Stanley, opining implications obscenity. Reidel, 351, 1410, 813 (1971); 200-Ft. Reels Film, 123, 2665, 500 (1973). crabbed offends overarching principles almost insults citizenry declaring obtain.12 legitimate reasons regulate obscenity: protecting children sensibilities unwilling viewers. 567, 1249. broad prohibition survive restrict minors. 41 Smith, "I know ugly pictures beneficial 319, 1773 (STEVENS, though: 42 demand indicates amusement satisfy curiosity persons. well-intentioned persuaded worthwhile purpose. Others arouse passions lead commission crimes; true, mountain just within zone equally capable motivating baneful disturbingly reminiscent arguments formerly made now valued art. end, capacity marketplace distinguish useful beautiful worthless." 320-321, 1773-1774 43 respectfully noted motions dismiss, prosecuted construed incorporate plurality Memoirs Massachusetts, 383 413, 86 975, (1966), viz., "utterly 418, 977. Ridens, 59 Ill.2d 362, 321 264 (1974); Thomas, 346 190 22, 2613, mandated imposes burden "virtually discharge Nonetheless, time chose retain higher do. purposes makes test. stated statewide single city, town, region State. Of above, met. contends loss Brief Respondent 21. court, discretion, Such likely confuse generations contexts, tort suits. suggests, attempting justify functional equivalent 16. risk, himself bound follow prevailing views arrive conclusion. new provides part: "Any performance if: person, appeals interest; depicts describes, patently way, sexual acts sadomasochistic acts, normal perverted, actual simulated, masturbation, excretory functions lewd exhibitions genitals; political 11-20(b) (1985) (effective Jan. 1, 1986). "[a]ll homicides presumed malicious rebut implied shifted apparently does, fiction burden-shifting killed malice. To "would presumption," dissenting), "superfluous," retrace deliberative processes heard same. aided constrained crime: presumption; possible reliance unreasonable By leaving open preserved error, Rose. extent prior indicate see, (1986), after authority. 2620, Section II, infra, explain disagreement III, elaborate believing this. discussion, disagreements irrelevant. See, (1986) (instruction permissive "superfluous"); Delaware Van Arsdall, 475 673, 1431, 674 (failure cross-examination witness' bias); (1967) (improper failure testify); 587, 3110 (harmless-error inappropriate implicate reliability accuracy factual findings). consistent theory entitles trial, perfect one." 681, 1436. Notwithstanding rejection values test, still, effect, values, person." conclusion, conflicts admonition "vary won," immaterial. 500, context, analogizes, man extolled enabling "triers look standard." Restatement (Second) Torts § 283, Comment c. (1965). Absent intolerable orthodoxy, circumscribed attitudes man," described 'excellent' 'stands like monument Courts Justice, vainly appealing fellow-citizens lives own example.' W. Keeton, D. Dobbs, R. & Owen, Prosser Keeton 174 (5th ed. 1984), Herbert, Misleading Cases Common (3d 1928). problems accentuated expert adduced segment scientists, critics. Certainly although reasonably definitional confronts buttress that: "none formulas, including announced today, reduce tolerable level striking acceptable balance hand, other, asserted regulating dissemination materials." 84, 2647, Roth 354 476, 508, 77 1304, 1321, 1498 (1957) (Douglas Black, dissenting); Sewell 435 988, 98 1635, 1638, 56 76 (1978) (Stewart, certiorari); supra Stewart, 311, 1769, (1977) recently bulk scholarly commentary resolution issues" "is incorrect," Attorney General's Comm'n Pornography, Final Report 261 (July level, Oregon gives "write, print, read, say, show, sell anything though generally universally 'obscene.' Henry, 302 Or. 525, 732 P.2d 9, (1987). five statutes, harmful Alaska Stat.Ann. 11.61.125 (1983); Me.Rev.Stat.Ann., Tit. 17, 2911 et seq. N.M.Stat.Ann. 30-37-1 (1980 Supp.1986); S.D.Comp.Laws Ann. 22-24-1 Vt.Stat.Ann., 2801 (1974 Supp.1987). Papachristou Jacksonville, 405 156, 162-163, 168-169, 839, 843-844, 846-847, 110 (1972); Lanzetta New Jersey, 306 451, 453, 618, 619, 83 888 (1939); Connally General Construction 269 385, 391-393, 46 126, 127-128, 70 322 (1926). intolerant area. Goguen, 415 566, 573, 94 1242, 1247, 605 Grayned 408 104, 108-109, 2294, 2298-2299, 222 Interstate Circuit, Inc. Dallas, 390 676, 684-690, 1298, 1303-1306, 225 (1968); Cramp Board Public Instruction Orange County, 368 278, 283-284, 82 275, 278-279, 285 (1961); 361 147, 151, 80 215, 217, 205 (1959); Winters York, 333 507, 515, 68 665, 670, 840 (1948). trials, used over age respondents Tr. Pope, 83-cm-4116, pp. 317-318 Cir. 1984); 84-cm-4114, 303 1984). Splawn 1987, 606 (1977): "Signs 'adult' motion picture theatre bookstore convey message provocative entertainment within. signs, warning erotic shop elsewhere kinds books, entertainment. sensible regulatory scheme, truthful pleasing ought encouraged, punished." 604, 1992 statements films 'sexually provocative,' confession obscene." 603, 1992. insurmountable not, implicated civil leeway. 317-321, 1772-1774 Winters, 670 ("The certainty punishing offenses depending sanction enforcement"). "access market," allows viewing public" "satisfy appetite fare," exhibition nonobscene material. Young American Mini Theatres, 427 50, 2440, 310 (1976); Schad Mount Ephraim, 452 79, 101 2176, 2188, 671 (1981) prohibiting containing depiction go York Ferber, 458 747, 102 3348, 1113 (1982); Ginsberg 629, 1274, 195 777, 3365 "After all, receive information worth—that obscenity—then seem punish undertakes willing, recipient." 86, 2648, 360, 1414, (1971) (MARSHALL, 137, 2673, (Douglas,

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