Legal Document

408 U.S. 229 92 Supreme Court Reporter 2245 33 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 312 John R. KOISv.State of WISCONSIN. Number 71—5625. June 26, 1972. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioner was convicted in the state trial court violating a Wisconsin statute prohibiting dissemination 'lewd, obscene or indecent written matter, picture, sound recording, film.' Wis.Stat. 944.21(1)(a) (1969). He sentenced to consecutive one-year terms Green Bay Reformatory and fined $1,000 on each two counts. The Wisconsin, upheld his conviction against contention that he had been deprived freedom press violation Fourteenth Amendment. 51 Wis.2d 668, 188 North Western Reporter, 2nd 467. 2 publisher an underground newspaper called Kaleidoscope. In issue published May 1968, carried story entitled 'The One Hundred Thousand Dollar Photos' interior page. itself account arrest one Kaleidoscope's photographers charge possession material. Two relatively small pictures, showing nude man woman embracing sitting position, accompanied article were described as 'similar' those seized from photographer. said photographer, while waiting district attorney's office, heard bail might be set at $100,000. went say fact originally $100, then raised $250, later photographer released own recognizance. purported detail police tactics effort 'harass' Kaleidoscope its staff. 3 Roth versus States, 354 476, 77 1304, 1498 (1957), held obscenity not protected under First Amendments. Material may considered when 'to average person, applying contemporary community standards, dominant theme material taken whole appeals prurient interest.' U.S., 489, 1311. enunciating this test, quoted Thornhill Alabama, 310 88, 101—102, 60 736, 743—744, 84 L.Ed. 1093: 4 speech guaranteed by Constitution embraces least liberty discuss publicly truthfully all matters public concern without previous restraint fear subsequent punishment. exigencies colonial period efforts secure oppressive administration developed broadened conception these liberties adequate supply need for information education with respect significant issues times. . .' (Emphasis supplied.) 5 We do think it can fairly said, either considering appears record before court, mere vehicle publication pictures. A quotation Voltaire flyleaf book will constitutionally redeem otherwise publication, but if pictures indeed similar seized—and we understand State contend differently—they are relevant article. find unnecessary consider whether could prohibit themselves, because context which they appeared rationally related clearly protection supra. motion leave proceed forma pauperis petition writ certiorari granted. count must therefore reversed. 6 August 1968 issue, two-page spread consisting 11 poems, 'Sex Poem.' second petitioner's containing poem. poem is undisguisedly frank, play-by-play author's recollection sexual intercourse. But, emphasized, 'sex synonymous. portrayal sex, e.g., art, literature scientific works, sufficient reason deny constitutional press.' 487, S.Ct., 1310. reviewing must, necessity, look material, well content. 7 case, poem's content placement amid selection poems newspaper, believe bears some earmarks attempt serious art. While such inevitably guarantee finding obscenity, case many would conclude reach exceeded grasp, element assessing 'dominant' interest. 'contemporary standards,' 1311, room latitude judgment, there undeniably subjective test whole, 'dominance' question fact. Giving due weight conclusions judgment count, therefore, also 8 Reversed. 9 Mr. Justice STEWART concurs judgment. 10 DOUGLAS, concurring & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions concur neither logic, history, nor plain meaning English language support exception has engrafted onto 12 This moreover, further testimony morass placed area obscenity. Men sent prison definitions cannot understand, lower courts members agree. Here, forced examine thematic newspapers petitioner prosecuted order hold protected. Highly inquiries lend themselves workable predictable rule law, should basis fines imprisonment. 13 vague umbrella laws used run radical out business impose two-year sentence $2,000 fine upon publisher. If continue uneven uncertain enforcement, found suppression any unpopular tract. free expression thus diluted stead discourse only embrace approval five Court. 14 prospect imaginary now Bill Rights, applicable Amendment, coming 'watered down' version, what says majority thinks fit proper.

Classification Label: 2