Document: 535 U.S. 234 ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL, et al.v.FREE SPEECH COALITION al. No. 00-795. Supreme Court of the United States. Argued October 30, 2001. Decided April 16, 2002. CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR NINTH CIRCUIT The Child Pornography Prevention Act 1996 (CPPA) expands federal prohibition on child pornography to include not only pornographic images made using actual children, 18 U. S. C. § 2256(8)(A), but also "any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer computer-generated image picture," that "is, appears be, a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct," 2256(8)(B), and is "advertised, promoted, presented, described, distributed such manner conveys impression" it depicts "a 2256(8)(D). Thus, 2256(8)(B) bans range images, sometimes called "virtual pornography," appear depict minors were produced by means other than real as through use youthful-looking adults computer-imaging technology. Section 2256(8)(D) aimed at preventing production distribution material pandered pornography. Fearing CPPA threatened their activities, respondents, an adult-entertainment trade association others, filed this suit alleging "appears be" "conveys provisions are overbroad vague, chilling works protected First Amendment. District disagreed granted Government summary judgment, Ninth Circuit reversed. Generally, can be banned if obscene under Miller v. California, 413 15, depicting children proscribed whether because State's interest protecting exploited process, New York Ferber, 458 747, 758, prosecuting those who promote sexual exploitation, id., 761. held invalid its face, finding substantially materials neither nor exploitation Ferber. Held: prohibitions §§ unconstitutional. Pp. 244-258. (a) covers beyond categories recognized Ferber Miller, reasons offers support limiting freedom speech have no justification Court's precedents Amendment law. 244-256. (1) inconsistent with Miller. It extends standard, which requires prove work question, taken whole, appeals prurient interest, patently offensive light community standards, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, scientific value, S., 24. Materials need appeal CPPA, proscribes depiction activity, matter how presented. necessary, moreover, offensive. Pictures what 17-year-olds activity do every case contravene standards. prohibits having redeeming proscribing idea — teenagers fact modern society has been theme art literature for centuries. A number acclaimed movies, filmed without actors, explore themes within wide sweep statute's prohibitions. If movies contain single graphic statutory definition, possessor would subject severe punishment inquiry into literary value work. This essential rule: work's artistic merit does depend presence scene. See, e. g., Book Named "John Cleland's Memoirs Woman Pleasure" Attorney General Mass., 383 413, 419. Under judged considering whole. Where scene part narrative, itself reason become obscene, even though isolation might See Kois Wisconsin, 408 229, 231 (per curiam). cannot read prohibit obscenity, required link between affront standards prohibited obscenity definition. 244-249. (2) finds rejects Government's argument virtually indistinguishable from may That upheld sale pornography, well production, these acts "intrinsically related" abuse two ways. 759. First, permanent record child's abuse, continued circulation harm had participated. 759, n. 10. Second, traffic was economic motive State closing network. Id., 760. either rationale, effect proximate crime came. In contrast records creates victims production. Virtual children. While asserts lead instances causal contingent indirect. necessarily follow speech, depends upon some unquantified potential subsequent criminal acts. indirect harms sufficient because, acknowledged, rarely valuable see 762, suffers flaws. Ferber's judgment about based made, communicated. reaffirmed where product fall outside Amendment's protection. 764-765. did hold definition value. category significant 761, relied virtual very alternative permissible expression, 763. Because distinction supporting holding, provides statute eliminates makes mode well. 249-251. (3) arguments offered justify CPPA's contention necessary pedophiles seduce runs afoul principle rights hear silenced completely attempt shield it. Sable Communications Cal., Inc. FCC, 492 115, 130-131. evil question actor's unlawful conduct, defined quite apart establishes ban narrowly drawn. whets pedophiles' appetites encourages them engage illegal conduct unavailing mere tendency encourage banning it, Stanley Georgia, 394 557, 566, absent showing direct connection imminent see, Brandenburg Ohio, 395 444, 447 eliminating market necessitates somewhat implausible few pornographers risk prosecution abusing fictional, computerized suffice. Moreover, deterrence theory persuasive, here, there underlying all. Finally, turned upside down that, difficult distinguish imaging, both kinds must prohibited. overbreadth doctrine unprotected substantial amount chilled process. Broadrick Oklahoma, 601, 612. rejoinder should measure shifting burden accused lawful raises constitutional difficulties. misplaces reliance 2252A(c), affirmative defense allowing defendant avoid conviction nonpossession offenses otherwise conveying impression they depicted Even save challenge, here insufficient apply possession created could demonstrate harmed producing images. leaves tied distinguishing ones. 251-256. (b) overbroad. disagrees view difference provision 2256(8)(B)'s jury assess issue determination still principally content. little image's content; explicit, content irrelevant. film contains scenes involving minors, treated title trailers convey will found movie. turns depicted. bear materials, instance, likely confused trial. Pandering relevant, evidentiary matter, particular obscene. Ginzburg States, 463, 474. engages "commercial exploitation" erotica solely sake appeal, 466, context relevant evaluating 2256(8)(D), however, falls Ginzburg's rationale. Proscribed tainted hands all receive responsibility marketed, sold, described. statute, furthermore, require effort exploitation." more pandering. someone earlier chain, youthful actors packaged suggest Possession when knows movie mislabeled. precise restriction. 257-258. (c) foregoing, respondents' void vagueness addressed. P. 258. 198 F. 3d 1083, affirmed. KENNEDY, J., delivered opinion Court, STEVENS, SOUTER, GINSBURG, BREYER, JJ., joined. THOMAS, concurring post, p. 259. O'CONNOR, dissenting part, REHNQUIST, SCALIA, joined Part II, 260. opinion, except paragraph discussing legislative history, 267. Deputy Solicitor Clement argued cause petitioners. With him briefs Olson, Acting Underwood, Assistant Schiffer, Kneedler, Irving L. Gornstein, Barbara Herwig, Jacob M. Lewis. H. Louis Sirkin respondents. brief Laura A. Abrams John Feldmeier.* JUSTICE KENNEDY Court. 1 We consider (CPPA), 2251 seq., abridges speech. against prohibits, specific circumstances, possessing distributing look like imaging. new technology, according Congress, possible create realistic exist. Congressional Findings, notes following 2251. 2 By prohibiting child, goes 747 (1982), distinguished 758. As general rule, set forth 15 (1973). "[t]he definitions reflect compelling children." 3 we occasion assume apparent age persons engaged offends young certain similar depictions adults, perhaps older adolescents, not. directed obscene; Congress separate statute. 1460-1466. Like law seeks reach conform standard. For depictions, social 4 principal resolved, then, universe 5 * Before 1996, type minors. 2252 (1994 ed.). retains 2256(8)(A) adds three first, third, case. conduct." depiction" produced. section captures traditional means. literal terms embrace Renaissance painting classical mythology, "picture" Hollywood believes actor "actual simulated ... intercourse." 2256(2). 6 These involve, let alone harm, process; decided threaten other, less direct, Pedophiles participate activity. "[A] reluctant adult, pose photographs, convinced viewing `having fun' participating activity." Finding (3), Furthermore, "whet own appetites" "thereby increasing creation Findings (4), (10)(B). rationales, flows addition, identified another problem images: Their existence make harder prosecute (6)(A). imaging technology improves, found, becomes picture To ensure defendants evade prosecution, extended 7 2256(8)(C) common lower tech creating known morphing. Rather original alter innocent pictures so Although morphed implicate interests sense closer Respondents challenge provision, 8 text broad. defines One Committee Report Rep. 104-358, 22 (1996) ("This prevents exploiting sexuality intentionally pornography"). limited reach, punishes possessors took Once described taint remains possessors, making objectionable. 9 activities members, respondent Free Speech Coalition others challenged States Northern California. Coalition, California industry, alleged members works, believed expanded respondents Bold Type, Inc., publisher book advocating nudist lifestyle; Jim Gingerich, painter nudes; Ron Raffaelli, photographer specializing erotic Government. court dismissed claim "highly unlikely" "adaptations `Romeo Juliet,' `criminal contraband.'" App. Pet. Cert. 62a-63a. 10 Appeals 1083 (1999). reasoned persuade viewers commit (1982). Judge Ferguson dissented ground 3d, 1097. voted deny petition rehearing en banc, over dissent judges. 220 1113 (2000). 11 four Courts sustained Fox, 248 (CA5 2001); Mento, 912 (CA4 2000); Acheson, 195 645 (CA11 1999); Hilton, 167 61 (CA1), cert. denied, 528 844 certiorari. 531 1124 (2001). II 12 commands, "Congress shall abridging speech." government violate mandate many ways, Rosenberger Rector Visitors Univ. Va., 515 819 (1995); Keller Bar 496 (1990), imposing penalties stark example suppression. indeed severe. first offender imprisoned years. 2252A(b)(1). repeat faces prison sentence years 30 prison. Ibid. punishments chill Wooley Maynard, 430 705 (1977), textbook why permit facial challenges statutes expression. force, legitimate producers publishers, speakers capacity, near uncertain Constitution gives protection laws vast privileged sphere. principle, unconstitutional face 612 13 most act repugnant moral instincts decent people. findings, subcultures harbor illicit desires gratify impulses. 2251; Dept. Health Human Services, Administration Children, Youth Families, Maltreatment 1999 (estimating 93,000 1999). surrounding offenders flirt impulses written accounts 14 pass valid protect has. E. 2241, prospect crime, suppressing Kingsley Int'l Corp. Regents N. Y., 360 684, 689 (1959) ("Among free men, deterrents ordinarily applied prevent education violations law, abridgment speech" (internal quotation marks citation omitted)). established concerns subjects offending our sensibilities. FCC Pacifica Foundation, 438 726, 745 (1978) ("[T]he find it"); Reno American Civil Liberties Union, 521 844, 874 (1997) ("In perfectly clear `[s]exual expression indecent Amendment'") (quoting 126 (1989)); Carey Population Services Int'l, 431 678, 701 (1977) suppression"). bars dictating speak hear. limits; defamation, incitement, Simon & Schuster, Members Y. Crime Victims Bd., 502 105, 127 (1991) (KENNEDY, concurring). violating Amendment, none includes CPPA. his Appeals, proposed regarded additional 1101. us take step uphold 16 noted, much supplement existing obscenity. (1973), work, regard requirements. interest. Any proscribed. applies psychology manual, horrors abuse. 17 despite throughout ages. long age. 2256(1). higher legal marriage consent relations. 2243(a) (age maritime territorial jurisdiction 16); National Survey Laws 384-388 (R. Leiter ed., ed. 1999) (48 16-year-olds marry parental consent); W. Eskridge Hunter, Sexuality, Gender, Law 1021-1022 (in 39 Columbia, younger). is, course, undeniable youths before age, inclination Both teenage inspired countless works. William Shakespeare famous pair lovers, one whom just Romeo Juliet, I, sc. 2, l. ("She hath seen change fourteen years"). drama, portrays relationship something splendid innocent, juvenile. 40 motion pictures, consummated relationship. Juliet (B. Luhrmann director, 1996). Elizabethan audience, directors adopt conventional approach, compel conclusion 19 Contemporary pursue themes. Last year's Academy Awards featured movie, Traffic, nominated Best Picture. Predictable Less So, Award Contenders, Times, Feb. 14, 2001, E11. teenager, 16-year-old, addicted drugs. viewer sees degradation her addiction, end leads filthy room sex year before, Beauty won "American Beauty" Tops Oscars, Mar. 27, 2000, E1. course girl relations boyfriend, yields herself gratification middle-aged man. where, although audience understands taking place, character he watching boy performing 20 Our society, cultures, empathy enduring fascination lives destinies young. Art express vital formative ourselves once knew, wounds grievous, disappointment profound, mistaken choices tragic, self-fulfillment reach. Whether films mention films, hundreds lesser note subjects, 419 (1966) (plurality opinion) weighed canceled patent offensiveness"). (1972) reason, 21 address deficiency arguing themselves stamping out 12; 775 (O'CONNOR, concurring) ("As drafted, York's suppress communication ideas"). content, target contained excuse caused participants. simply "unrealistic equate community's toleration oriented scope legislation 12. defamatory statement, each publication injury reputation emotional well-being. "The expeditious practical method enforcement dry up selling, advertising, promoting product." 23 Later, Osborne 495 103 ruled same justified "Given importance "attempting stamp vice levels chain." 110. noted being used aid solicitation 111. anchored holding concern participants, "victims pornography." concern, governmental infra, 251-253. 24 251-254, 25 says 762 ("The permitting live performances photographic reproductions lewd exceedingly modest, de minimis"). argument, 764-765 descriptions involve performance reproduction performances, protection"). 26 second flaw position On contrary, expression: "[I]f person looked younger utilized. Simulation provide alternative." referred holding. III 27 explored, argues There things themselves, cartoons, video games, candy, immoral purposes, yet expect misused. Government, punish unsuitable Ginsberg York, 390 629 (1968), enforce solicitation. establish, 115 (1989). Butler Michigan, 352 380, 381 (1957), invalidated "`incite violent depraved acts.'" unanimous agreed important "reduce adult population reading fit 383. Playboy Entertainment Group, 529 803, 814 (2000) objective shielding suffice blanket accomplished restrictive alternative"); 875 (The "governmental harmful unnecessarily broad suppression addressed adults"); supra, 130-131 (striking "dial-a-porn" messages "the telephone conversations suitable hear"). 28 Here, wants keep crimes. same: question. restriction restricting available law-abiding adults. 29 submits further conduct. rationale sustain "cannot constitutionally premise desirability controlling person's private thoughts." 566 (1969). freedoms danger control thought impermissible end. right think beginning freedom, thought. preserve freedoms, sake, cases draw distinctions words deeds, ideas Corp., 689; Bartnicki Vopper, 532 514, (2001) normal deterring impose appropriate it"). increases chance committed "at indefinite future time." Hess Indiana, 414 108 (1973) force violation "such advocacy inciting lawless action incite produce action." (1969) attempt, solicitation, conspiracy. shown remote thoughts resulting Without significantly stronger, connection, 31 next contends, ones; often exchanged. way, said, trafficking hypothesis implausible. identical driven substitutes. Few 32 covered abuse; deters removing profit motive. Osborne, 109-110. allowed cases. Bartnicki, (market radio commentator unlawfully intercepted). strike balance case, persuasive contexts, 33 possibility Experts, told, difficulty saying solution, runs, essence, analysis down. 34 Protected merely resembles latter. reverse. "[T]he go unpunished outweighed muted ...." 35 objection, lawful. relies allows 2252A(c). 36 difficulties seeking proving unlawful. An after begun, speaker himself prove, pain felony conviction, defense. trivial. producer way establishing identity, existence, actors. asserts, least possessor. preserved meet proof. Failure establish conviction. 37 decide, speaker. incomplete insufficient, terms. convicted charged possessing, opposed distributing, defend ibid. So while distribution, producer, liable cases, bar prosecution. 38 sum, IV parties treat nearly view, `conveys impression' promoted." Brief Petitioners 18, 3. assumption, disagree view. "conve[y] phrase sound image. findings length problems posed silent evils way. 41 offer pandering 474 ("[I]n close evidence probative respect nature thus satisfy [obscenity] test"). appeal," she evaluation materials. 42 falling proscription consequence, pandered, chain. containing placed box suggesting V 43 forth, Having reached conclusion, vague language. 44 45 ordered. Notes: Briefs ofamici curiae urging reversal Jersey J. Farmer, Jr., Jersey, Patrick DeAlmeida Carol Johnston, Attorneys General, respective jurisdictions follows: Bill Pryor Alabama, Bruce Botelho Alaska, Janet Napolitano Arizona, Mark Arkansas, Ken Salazar Colorado, Richard Blumenthal Connecticut, Jane Brady Delaware, Robert Butterworth Florida, Earl I. Anzai Hawaii, James Ryan Illinois, Steve Carter Thomas Iowa, Carla Stovall Kansas, Joseph Curran, Maryland, Reilly Massachusetts, Jennifer Granholm Mike Hatch Minnesota, Moore Mississippi, Don Stenberg Nebraska, Frankie Sue Del Papa Nevada, Patricia Madrid Mexico, Roy Cooper North Carolina, Wayne Stenehjem Dakota, Herbert D. Soll Mariana Islands, Betty Montgomery Drew Edmondson Hardy Myers Oregon, Michael Fisher Pennsylvania, Sheldon Whitehouse Rhode Island, Charles Condon South Cornyn Texas, Shurtleff Utah, Earley Virginia, Christine O. Gregoire Washington, Doyle Wisconsin; Center Missing Exploited Children Dennis DeConcini Susan Kalp; Families Flores, Taylor, LaRue; Legal Foundation Barry Hodge; Morality Media, Robin Whitehead; Senator Sam Brownback Jay Alan Sekulow, Stuart Roth, Henderson, Sr., David Cortman, Colby May, Walter Weber, Benjamin Bull. amici affirmance Union Bennett Turner, Ann Beeson, Steven R. Shapiro; Association Publishers, Rich, Jonathan Bloom, Bamberger; Liberty Project Jodie Kelley Daniel Mach. judgment. my asserted possess disseminate escape claiming generated, thereby raising reasonable doubt guilt. 37. At time, raise defenses, done successfully. fact, points acquitted "computer-generated images" 37-38, 8. speculative evolve point impossible event occurs, foreclosed enacting regulation drawn suggests enforcing "[t]his Ante, 255. But technological advances thwart "unlawful speech," barring regulating narrow "lawful order effectively leave open complete constitutionality, ante, 256, implicitly accepting constitutional. I prejudge, tailor dissemination concur CHIEF SCALIA join part. "knowin[g]" reproduction, sale, reception, 2252A(a). punishable offense, 2252A(b), transgressions conduct" (emphasis added), advertised, added). "sexually intercourse ...; bestiality; masturbation; sadistic masochistic lascivious exhibition genitals pubic area person." defenses. possesses promptly destroys reports enforcement. 2252A(d). remaining 2252A(a) involved presented "convey litigation involves "appea[r] minor" agree latter struck down, decision former entirety. language speech: ("youthful pornography") wholly computer, ("virtual concludes, correctly, fail present invalidation due "strong medicine," 613 insofar class assert overbroad, content-based regulations tailored serve unconstitutionally vague. contentions, requests exclude grant request. already seeMiller asks rule looks process Therefore, directly aids abets 251-254. correctly concludes "appear" strong enough withdrawing 250. ("actual fails explain serves state statutes. 1460-1466 (obscenity), (B) (actual pornography), (youthful pornography). reasoning persuades me tailored. Seeante, therefore strict scrutiny. 813 several examples political employing perform 2256(8)(B). 247-248 (citing Beauty). Individuals businesses liability issue, preliminary questions: scrutiny answer negative Nation's 756-757 cases). promoted efforts efforts, turn, supported Such whet molesters, 121, 110 Stat. 3009-26, (10)(B), 2251, (3). Of indicted attributed generated. correct successfully employed tactic. Vig, 443 (CA8 Kimbrough, 69 723 1995); Coleman, 54 869 (Army Ct. Crim. 2001). But, given rapid pace computer-graphics reasonable. Computer-generated lodged remarkable likeness human beings. Anyone seen, example, Final Fantasy: Spirits Within (H. Sakaguchi Sakakibara directors, 2001) understand concern. wait occur legislate Turner Broadcasting System, 520 180, 212 (1997). argue They capture cartoon sketches statues suggestive. surely used, agree. better interpretation of" "virtually from" cover provide. Not comfortably narrowing interpretation, comports repeatedly fact. (8), (discussing "visual electronic, mechanical, means, unsuspecting children" molesters). (5), (12). extent ambiguous, avoids lack tailoring. Crowell Benson, 285 22, 62 (1932). Reading assure tailored, assuage fears greatly limits risks "`discriminatory enforcement.' " 872 maintain begs question: whose perspective? exaggerated. never "mathematical certainty" "`meticulous specificity'" Grayned City Rockford, 104, (1972). basis unclear. serving unintentionally ensnare sought combated so, litigants doing heavy demonstrating forbids harmless Reno, 896 part) Broadrick, 615). demonstration. generated minors" facilitate fails. true authorized text: poses. Invalidating overbreadth, extreme remedy, "sparingly last resort." 613. observed "[i]t usual judicial practice, generally desirable, proceed unnecessarily." Board Trustees 469, 484-485 Heeding caution, subset approach Grace, 461 171 (1983), considered constitutionality "parade, stand, move processions assemblages Building grounds, display therein flag, banner, device designed adapted bring public notice party, organization, movement." 13k term "Supreme grounds" technically sidewalks traditionally forum, sidewalks. elsewhere draws line classes produce, distribute, individuals actually surprising enacted Those focus explicitly (9), seduced molested great pornographer molester uses consists unretouched conduct"). Drawing around, striking just, consistent Congress' understanding encompassed preserves dangerous joins dissenting. O'CONNOR's ensuring ability defer rapidly advancing soon soTurner (we "`accord deference predictive judgments Congress'" O'CONNOR arise ever simple Traffic BeautyAnte, 262-263 (opinion part). write separately, construed normally grounds "when construction statute." 769 (1982) (appreciating widereaching effects face"); Parker Levy, 417 733, 760 (1974) expressed reluctance situations validly applied"). differently. Other regard. reaches depictions" of: "[A]ctual intercourse, genital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, oral-anal, opposite sex; looking suggestive presumably "simulated" intercourse. (majority opinion); 263 Read sort "hard core pornography" 773-774. construed, activity; suggestions squirming blanket, akin purview statute.1 reference since passed. Protection Against Sexual Exploitation 1977, Pub. 95-225, 92 7. inclusion alongside "actual" core" banned. brings hardcore "made genuine," Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 1099 (1983) main Neither properly portrayal part), far removed intended Indeed, loath construe portrayals Shakespearian tragedies, indication history result intended. instructed unwarranted. observed: record, plain [CPPA] `which photographs conduct.'" 61, 72 (1999) pt. (1996)). similarly case: "From `real' easily 1102 (CA9 IV(C), ("[The CPPA] not, to, i[n] individual original)); addresses `high-tech kiddie porn' "). limit past, X-Citement Video, 513 64, 73-77 (1994), well.2 accords intentions Congress; exactly understood prior broadening gloss today. does, then were. films' conduct). 2000. books, enforced, 1996. felt 244 ("[F]ew law"), apparently movies. sordid business pandering" lies bounds 467 (1966); 472 (conduct "deliberately emphasized provocative aspects catch salaciously disposed," lose protection); 831-832 (SCALIA, dissenting) (collecting 3; Tr. Oral Arg. plausible text, shopowner distributor promotes "entertaining" "acclaimed" regardless nonobscene panderer. warrant different manner. Ginzburg, 474-476; cf. Jacobellis 378 184, 201 (1964) (Warren, various put determining obscene"). panderer, entirely "prohibi[t] [the] (such videocassettes Beauty) offend 248; ("Individuals CPPA"). one, again, faced precursor lent attributing "knowingly" requirement contents possessed depictions. nonetheless applied, knew 77-78. prohibit, knowing included. potentially applications exist, "substantial... relation plainly sweep." 615. aim enforceability one. targeted extending computergenerated precisely this, reasons, reverse Appeals' advertised 2252A(c)

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