Legal Document

438 U.S. 726 98 Supreme Court Reporter 3026 57 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 1073 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, Petitioner,v.PACIFICA FOUNDATION. Number 77-528. Argued April 18, 19, 1978. Decided July 3, Rehearing Denied Oct. 2, See 439 883, 99 227. Syllabus A radio station of respondent Pacifica Foundation (hereinafter respondent) made an afternoon broadcast a satiric monologue, entitled "Filthy Words," which listed and repeated variety colloquial uses "words you couldn't say on the public airwaves." father who heard while driving with his young son complained to Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which, after forwarding complaint for comment receiving response from respondent, issued declaratory order granting complaint. While not imposing formal sanctions, FCC stated that would be "associated station's license file, in event subsequent complaints are received, will then decide whether it should utilize any available sanctions has been granted by Congress." In its memorandum opinion, intended "clarify standards utilized considering" growing number about indecent broadcasts, advanced several reasons treating type speech differently other forms expression. The found power regulate broadcasting, inter alia, 18 Code KF62 § 1464 (1976 ed.), forbids use "any obscene, indecent, or profane language means communications." characterized monologue as "patently offensive," though necessarily expressed opinion regulated principles analogous law nuisance where "law generally speaks channeling behavior rather than actually prohibiting it." certain words depicted sexual excretory activities particularly offensive manner, noted they were early "when children undoubtedly audience," concluded was prohibited 1464. three-judge panel Appeals reversed, one judge concluding FCC's action invalid either ground constituted censorship, expressly forbidden 326 Act 1934, functional equivalent rule, such "overbroad." Another judge, felt 326's censorshi provision did apply broadcasts 1464, construed narrowly be, covers only is obscene otherwise unprotected First Amendment. third dissenting, had correctly condemned daytime indecent. Respondent contends within meaning statute because absence prurient appeal. Held : judgment reversed. Pp. 734-741; 748-750; 761-762; 3046-3047. 181 U.S.App.D.C. 132, 556 Reporter, 2nd 9, Mr. Justice STEVENS delivered respect Parts I-III IV-C, finding: 1 1. adjudication under 5 554(e) character changed general statements opinion; nor constitute rulemaking promulgation regulations. Hence, Court's review must focus determination broadcast. 734-735. 2 2. Section does limit authority sanction licensees engage broadcasting. Though censorship ban precludes editing proposed advance, deny content completed broadcasts. 735-738. 3 3. warranted used challenged "obscene, profane" disjunctive, implying each separate meaning. appeal element "obscene," "indecent," merely refers noncomformance accepted morality. Contrary respondent's argument, this Hamling versus States, 418 87, 94 2887, 41 590, foreclosed reading authorizes proscription "indecent" involved case, unlike focused upon prurient, dealt primarily printed matter sealed envelopes mailed individual another, whereas deals 738-741. 4 4. Of all communication, broadcasting most limited Amendment protection. Among specially uniquely pervasive presence medium expression occupies lives our people. Broadcasts extend into privacy home impossible completely avoid those patently offensive. Broadcasting, moreover, accessible children. 748-750. STEVENS, joined THE CHIEF JUSTICE, REHNQUIST, IV-A IV-B: 6 proscribe particular invalidated possibility construction may deter hypothetically protected containing references activities. Cf. Red Lion Broadcasting company FCC, 395 367, 89 1794, 23 371. 742-743. 7 prohibit governmental regulation depends speech. Schenck 249 47, 52, 39 247, 249, 63 L.Ed. 470. broadcast, "vulgar," "offensive," "shocking," absolute constitutional protection contexts; therefore necessary evaluate light context 744-748. 8 POWELL, BLACKMUN, holding violate Amendment, though, being view Members free basis valuable deserving Fi st protection, less "valuable" hence he unable join Part IV-B (or IV-A) opinion. 761-762. 9 Joseph Atlantic Marino, Washington, D. C., petitioner. 10 Harry M. Plotkin, Foundation. 11 Louis KF105 F3 Claiborne, States. 12 (Parts I, II, III IV-C) JUSTICE REHNQUIST IV-B). 13 This case requires we but obscene. 14 humorist named George Carlin recorded 12-minute Words" before live audience California theater. He began referring thoughts "the public, ah, airwaves, um, ones definitely wouldn't say, ever." proceeded list repeat them over again colloquialisms. transcript recording, appended indicates frequent laughter audience. 15 At o'clock Tuesday, October 30, 1973, New York station, owned Foundation, monologue. few weeks later man, son, wrote letter complaining Commission. that, although could perhaps understand "record's sold private use, & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions certainly cannot same air supposedly, control." 16 forwarded comment. response, explained played during program contemporary society's attitude toward immediately listeners advised included "sensitive might regarded some." "a significant social satirist" "like Twain Sahl him, examines ordinary . mouthing obscenities, using satirize harmless essentially silly attitudes towards words." aware 17 On February 21, 1975, "could have subject administrative sanctions." 56 F.C.C.2d 94, 99. impose state Congress."1 commission airwaves. Id., at 94. Advancing expression,2 two statutes: communications,"3 47 303(g), whi h "encourage larger more effective interest."4 19 it. [T]he concept 'indecent' intimately connected exposure describes, terms measured community medium, organs times day when there reasonable risk audience." F.C.C.2d, 98.5 20 Applying these considerations "were time (i. e., afternoon)," prerecorded language, "repeated over," "deliberately broadcast." summary, stated: "We hold [§] 1464."6 Ibid. 21 After issued, asked clarify ruling part newscast prohibited. another pointed out "never place prohibition sought channel likely exposed 59 892 (1976). "declaratory specific factual context," declined various hypothetical situations presented petition.7 893. It relied "long standing policy refusing issue interpretive rulings advisory opinions critical facts explicitly events alter them." 22 District Columbia Circuit three judges writing separately. 9. Judge Tamm represented Act.8 Alternatively, read rule U.S.App.D.C., 141, F.2d, 18. Chief Bazelon's concurrence rested Constitution. persuaded against inapplicable However, cover 140-153, 24-30. Leventhal, dissent, "as 154, 31. Emphasizing interest protecting children, also idea official approval, id., 160, n.18, 37, n. Having Commission's petition certiorari, 434 1008, 715, 54 749, decide: (1) scope judicial encompasses broadcast"; (2) form 326; (3) 1464; (4) violates 24 * do change order. Its ed.); purport "was context"; questions concerning possible contexts expres ly reserved future. carefully confined 25 "This reviews judgments, opinions." Black Cutter Laboratories, 351 292, 297, 76 824, 827, 100 1188. That admonition special force raise questions, settled practice unnecessary decision issues. Rescue Army Municipal Court, 331 549, 568-569, 67 1409, 1419-1420, 91 1666. However appropriate agency write broadly adjudicatory proceeding, federal courts never empowered opinions. Herb Pitcairn, 324 117, 126, 65 459, 463, 789. Accordingly, II 26 relevant statutory "censorship" concededly restricted ed.). unrelated, provisions common origin. Nevertheless, analyze 27 29 Radio 1927 provided: 28 "Nothing shall understood give licensing communications signals transmitted no condition promulgated fixed interfere right communications. No person jurisdiction utter communication." 44 Statutes-at-Large 1172-1173. unequivocally denies edit advance excise material considered inappropriate prohibition, however, performance regulatory duties.9 30 During period between original enactment re-enactment held section deprived "broadcasting scrutiny prior release," "undoubted right" take note past considering licensee's renewal application "is censorship."10 31 Not so construe 1934; successor, Commission, consistently interpreted way ever since. Note, Regulation Program Content 77 Harv.L.Rev. 701 (1964). And, until agreed construction.11 Thus, example, Anti-Defamation League B'nai B'rith 131 146, 403 169 (1968), cert. denied, 394 930, 1190, 459. Wright forcefully prevented canceling broadcaster persists course improper programming. explained: 32 'censorship,' allowed 'coarse, vulgar, suggestive, double-meaning' programming; programs grounds denial renewal." 150-151, 173-174, 33 Office Communication Church Christ 123 328, 359 994 (1966). 34 Entirely apart fact sort directed, history makes perfectly clear language. single source both anticensorship Quite plainly, Congress provisions. Respect intent 35 There nothing legislative contradict conclusion. discussed generalities first enacted.12 re-enacted section, just Act. 1948, Criminal Co e revised include previously located Titles Code, removed Title 62 769 866. rearrangement reasonably having provision. H.R.Rep.No. 304, 80th Cong., 1st Sess., A106 (1947). Tidewater Oil 409 151, 162, 93 408, 415, 375. 36 We conclude, therefore, 37 question 1464.13 Even arguments parties. 38 identified referred organs, repetitive, deliberate offensive, takes definition indecency, dispute preliminary components present. Specifically, quarrel conclusion Pacifica's claim rests entirely plain support argument. written mean ng. Prurient normal nonconformance morality.14 40 argues, term related statutes defined Miller California, 413 15, 2607, 419. relies heavily gave 1461 590. 200-ft. Reels Film, 123, 130 7, 2665, 2670, 500 (18 1462) (dicta). rejected vagueness attack 1461, mailing lewd, lascivious, filthy vile" material. statute's coverage obscenity, followed lead Harlan Manual Enterprises, Incorporated Day, 370 478, 82 1432, 639. recognized contained many shades meaning.15 Nonetheless, thought phrase vile," taken whole, clearly well grounded constructions: "[T]he since inception always aimed obnoxiously debasing portrayals sex." U.S., 483, S.Ct., 1434. meant obscenity mails; limits set supra, adopted assured constitutionality. supporting Although former revealed primary concern long encompassing obscene.16 enclosed another; latter unrealistic assume precisely limitations dissemination different means.17 42 Because neither decisions supports essential component reject statute. When put side, disagreeing IV 43 attacks First, argues much constitutionally reversal required even if itself Second, inasmuch recording Constitution abridgment radio. argument fails As emphasized, "issued context." approach indecency stake, largely function context—it adequately judged abstract. 45 consistent regulations defining fairness doctrine vague inevitably abridge broadcasters' freedom their self-censorship controversial content. Television News Directors Assn. 400 1002, 1016 (CA7 1968). noting indicated, without warning cases applicability unclear, 46 need approve every aspect cases, now pass constitutionality envisioning extreme applications conceivable, Sullivan, 332 689, 694, [68 331, 92 297] (1948), deal problems arise." 396, 1809. true some broadcasters censor themselves. most, activities.18 protected, surely lie periphery concern. Bates State Bar Arizona, 433 350, 380-381, 97 2691, 2707-2708, 53 810. Young American Mini Theatres, Inc., 427 50, 61, 96 2440, 2448, 49 310. danger dismissed summarily Lion, contrast, respond present dealing important political controversies. Invalidating "strong medicine" applied "sparingly last resort." Broadrick Oklahoma, 601, 613, 2908, 2916, 830. decline administer medicine preserve vigor B 48 narrowed government restrict circumstances.19 For power, occasion exercise. unquestionably "speech" equally objections based fall if, prohibits Our demonstrate, mandated 50 classic exposition proposition elements analysis Holmes' statement 248, 470: 51 admit places defendants saying said circular rights. But act circumstances done. stringent protect man falsely shouting fire theatre causing panic. injunction uttering effect force. nature create bring substantive evils prevent." 52 Other distinctions approved years Schenck. forbid calculated provoke fight. Chaplinsky Hampshire, 315 568, 766, 86 1031. pay heed " 'commonsense differences' commercial varieties." 381, 2707. treat libels citizens severely officials. Gertz Robert Welch, 323, 2997, Obscenity wholly And Terms ago refused "statutory classification unconstitutional communication Amendment." 2443. sex excretion content.20 Obscene materials denied moral standards. Roth 354 476, 1304, 1498. society find sufficient reason suppressing Indeed, speaker's gives offense, consequence according central tenet remain neutral marketplace ideas.21 If believe characterization traced content—or satirized four-letter words22 required. simply case. These offend offends.23 Their hierarchy values aptly sketched Murphy said: "Such utterances ideas, slight value step truth benefit derived outweighed morality." 572, 769. ordinarily lack literary, political, scientific value, outside Some protected. See, e. g., Hess Indiana, 414 105, 326, 303. assume, arguendo, t contexts. accorded context.24 characteristic capacity "social value," Murphy's term, vary circumstances. Words commonplace setting shocking another. To paraphrase Harlan, occasion's lyric another's vulgarity. Cohen 25, 1780, 1788, 284.25 55 undisputed "shocking." circumstances, consider determine permissible. Contract presents problems. Burstyn, Wilson, 343 495, 502-503, 72 777, 780-781, 1098. received speakers licensed except laws define narrow discretion, forum decides serve interest, convenience, necessity."26 Similarly, protects newspaper publishers print replies whom criticize, Miami Herald Publishing Tornillo, 241, 2831, 730, affords broadcasters; contrary, victims criticism. complex, relevance media established Americans. Patently airwaves confronts citizen, home, individual's left alone plainly outweighs rights intruder. Rowan Post Dept., 397 728, 90 1484, 736. constantly tuning out, warnings listener viewer unexpected further offense turning off hears like remedy assault run away blow. One hang up phone call, option caller immunity harm already place.27 58 too read. Cohen's message incomprehensible grader, enlarged child's vocabulary instant. withheld restricting source. Bookstores motion picture theaters, making Ginsberg York, 390 629, 88 1274, 195, government's "well-being youth" "parents' own household" justified 640 639, 1280.28 ease obtain access material, coupled concerns Ginsberg, amply justify treatment appropriate, conclusion, emphasize narrowness holding. involve two-way conversation cab driver dispatcher, telecast Elizabethan comedy. decided occasional expletive or, indeed, criminal prosecution. rationale all-important. consideration host variables. emphasized affect composition audience,29 differences radio, television, closed-circuit transmissions, relevant. Sutherland "nuisance thing wrong place,—like pig parlor instead barnyard." Euclid Ambler Realty Co., 272 365, 388, 114, 118, 71 finds entered parlor, exercise depend proof 60 61 ordered. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF COURT following verbatim prepared Aruba-du, ruba-tu, ruba-tu. thinking curse swear words, cuss can't you're supposed time, [']cause people want hear your words. guys record sell back can, (laughter) listen telephone, down what say. guy knew tapped, answer, Fuck Hoover, yes, go ahead. Okay, night ever, lady bitch cool she talking about, know, well, notice litter Johnie (murmur) Right. uh, bastard can hell damn figure came seven open amendment, fact, changed, now, ha, lot things me, noticed myself. were, shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, tits. Those curve spine, grow hair hands maybe, us, God help peace honor bourbon. work fuck really word motherfucker compound it's fuck. You purist doesn't really—it basic Also, cocksucker half dirty. word—the sucker that's suggestive cock half-way dirty word, 50% depending Uh, remember it, 6th grade, giggle. crowed times, heh cock—three times. It's Bible, Bible. cock-fight, remember—What? Huh? naw. ain't stupid? man. (laughter, clapping) chickens, Then four old Angle-Saxon fame. shit interesting kind middle class They like, crazy okay. still rude, dirty, gushy word. don't middle-class you'll says expletive, her mouth knows. She says, Oh oh shit. drops something, Oh, hurt broccoli. Shit. Thank you. (footsteps fading away) (papers ruffling) Read it! (from audience) 64 Shit! won Grammy, comedy album. Isn't groovy? (clapping, whistling) That's true. Yeah. (murmer) (continuous very much, Thank, no, (end continuous liking yeh, okay Let's let go, got my Grammy. Ha! So! Now crazy. Mostly figuratively, Get here, ya? see anymore. cut buddy. I've here. think full know Shinola. that? Always wondered how Shinola Hi, I'm new Shinola, Nice ya. How Boy, wind watch. Guess, I'll going hit de fan. (laughter). Built brick shit-house. Up, he's shit's creek. He's sorry. Hot holy tough eat shit-eating grin. whoever ill. (murmur laughter) grin! what? Shit stick. handbag. that. worth Shitty. acted real shitty. mean? money back, shitty attitude. Heh, shit-fit. Wow! Shit-fit. Whew! Glad wasn't there. (murmur, All animals—Bull horseshit, cow rat bat apart. Boggs, Aw! Bat Vera reminded me night, ah (murmur). Snake slicker owl together. get pot. shit-load them. shit-pot full, right. Shit-head, shit-heel, heart, brains, shit-face, try originated; Somebody drunk fell know. Hey, shit-face. Shit-face, today. Anyway, enough big one, hangs most. [']Cause So, natural would, effect. great nice easy cute of. Easy syllable, short u. (laughter Fuck. (Murmur) easy. Starts soft sound fuh ends akuh. Right? little something everyone. Good Kind proud too. Who you? am FUCK, FUCK MOUNTAIN. Tune next week too, double life—personality—dual, whatever is. leads life, all, means, sometimes, What make love. We're love, we're beginning begins there's hanging around yet hand, with, heavy. end finally out. said, murmur) Stupid everybody looks movies substitute kill, wherever could, movie cliches bit. Madfuckers loose. Stop again. ump, ump. clutch Bill, engine was, Like know? why shit? pack cause joke kid worm looking bird's ass. eight-year-old good one. additions list. fart, turd twat, three. Fart, talked harmless. tits, cutie problem. Turd, wants to, comes worried twat Twat! Yeh, twat. Twat of, slang applying the, anatomy Like, snatch, box pussy meanings, Walt Disney movie, snatch him airplane. (murmer, Everybody loves stands alone, should. Ah, ass providing riding town religious feast day. stuff weird come close. Before cut, thank listening fellow, uh space travelers. tonight also. (clapping BLACKMUN joins, concurring judgment. 66 III, IV-C STEVENS' today Carlin's broadcast" afternoon, broad sweep Ante, addition deciding issues unnecessarily, ante, 734; Ashwander TVA, 297 288, 345-348, 466, 482-484, 80 688 (1936) (Brandeis, J., concurring), conducive orderly development relatively difficult area law, instance reviewing courts. 158-160, 35-37 (1977) (Leventhal, dissenting). agree subscribe IV, views 68 conceded here sense. (1975); Brief Petitioner Nor, context, "fighting words" 1031 (1942). E. Lewis Orleans, 415 130, 970, 214 (1974); 303 (1973); Papish University Missouri Curators, 410 667, 1197, 618 284 (1971); Eaton Tulsa, 697, 1228, 693 (1974). Carlin, punished delivering composed adults who, knowing expect, chose attend performance. Brown 408 914, 2507, (1972) (POWELL, result). adult purchasing playing home. Stanley Georgia, 557, 1243, 542 (1969). 69 employed is, people, vulgar chosen specifically quality, verbal shock treatment. err characterizing category offensive" regardless age. 70 issue, civil licensee afternoon. prevent reaching ears unsupervised hour. essence, "channel" hours fewest 98. view, provides strong holding.1 "adopt controls communicative youths adults." Erznoznik Jacksonville, 422 205, 212, 95 2268, 2274, 125 also, 17, 2621, 419 636-641, 1278-1282, 195 (1968); Jacobellis Ohio, 378 184, 84 1676, 1682, 793 (1964) (opinion BRENNAN, J.). recognition stems large art child possessed choice presupposition guarantees." 649-650, 1286 (STEWART, able themselves adults, avoided unwilling through choice. deeper lasting negative adult. reasons, leaving parents repeat: "[C]onstitutional interpretation parents' household direct rearing structure society. 'It cardinal us custody, care nurture reside parents, whose preparation obligations supply hinder.' Prince Massachusetts, [321 158, 166, 438, 645 (1944)]. legislature properly conclude others, teachers responsibility children's well-being designed aid discharge responsibility." 1280. 73 attempt shield appeals youthful interest. potentially degrading harmful representations erotic acts. 74 instances, limiting willing adults' Sellers exhibitors pictures performances shut doors requirement access. 634-635, 1277-1278. difficulty physical separation accomplished media. hours, audience, reach This, emphasizes, often adverted justifying purposes. 384, 2709, 810 (1977); System, Democratic National Committee, 412 101, 2080, 2086, 772 386-387, 1804-1805, 371 (1969); Capital Mitchell, 333 F.Supp. 582 (DC 1971), aff'd sub nom. Acting Attorney General, 405 1000, 1289, 472 (1972); 1098 (1952). substantial weight difference 75 second difference, relevance, broadcasting—unlike communication—comes directly assaulted uninvited sights sounds. 209, 2272; 1786; (1970). require absorb blow turn away, see, Erznoznik, 210-211, 2273-2274; cf. Rosenfeld Jersey, 901, 903-909, 2479-2481, 321 dissenting), obtains "That 'captives' sanctuary objectionable captives everywhere." 738, 1491. factor instant unrestricted speech, media, banned momentary homes.2 Making sensitive judgments reposed initially respect. argued despite everyone's impermissible prevents hours. "reduc[ing] population [hearing] fit children." Butler Michigan, 352 380, 383, 524, 526, (1957). develops area. sufficiently leave powerless record, attending performances, reprinted appendix face, late evening fewer discussions holding, today, speak involving isolated distinguished administered short, 78 foregoing demonstrates, accord portion IV-B, theory Justices Compare 744-748; Thea res, 63-73, 2448-2454, 310 (1976) Stevens, J.), 1, 2453 (Powell, concurring).3 result viewed "value" candidate's campaign make, him.4 79 turns unique characteristics combined years, homes. Moreover, doubt today's wishes receive doing so, himself merit 77-79, 2455-2457 concurring). IV. MARSHALL dissenting. 81 STEWART 590 (1974), (1973), ed.) normally refrain expressing implicated misapplication fundamental patent, notions propriety whole misguided, silent. (1976), refuses embrace notion, antithetical values, degree varies ascribed five Court. parties, aired Station WBAI categories words," 6, (1942), 1498 (1957), totally course, compelled condemnable fully 913, 2499, 2479, (1971). Yet refusal sliding scale calibrated perception communication's content, unanimous agreement majority Court1 nevertheless barred airing apparently believes disapproval "Dirty permissible place, manner regulation. Kovacs Cooper, 336 77, 448, 513 (1949). Both Brother POWELL rely principally factors conclusion: intrude listener's Dispassionate analysis, proper not, starkly reveals justifications, individually together, professedly moderate homogenization communications—if, given pre-eminent status scheme—that permits. 83 Without question, interests finding commits errors. misconceives voluntarily chooses ignores wish transmit desire including Court—might "The ability government, consonant Constitution, discourse solely others hearing dependent showing invaded intolerable manner. Any broader effectively empower silence dissidents personal predilections." 1786. wholehearted Brethren "to alone" engaged activity confines encompassed "substantial interests" Cohen, greatest solicitude. th actions switching airways directed implicate interests, Instead, undeniably part, listener, ongoing discourse. Filthy Words, Amendment: Regulating Broadcast Obscenity, Va.L.Rev. 579, (1975). allow abrogate residual retains vis-a-vis admits greater corridor Los Angeles courthouse bore witness "Fuck Draft" emblazoned across jacket. insufficient punishing communication. 85 opens moment "invaded manner," 1786, threatened invasion privacy; intrusive modes trucks, "[t]he turned off," Lehman Shaker Heights, 298, 302, 2714, 2717, 770 (1974)—and minimum effort. Bazelon observed below, "having elected waives, scanner stumbles onto position unsuspecting passers-by [v. (1975)]; avert attention changing channels set." 149, (1977). Whatever minimal discomfort suffered inadvertently tunes brief interval arm switch stations flick "off" button, candle broadcaster's send, interested receive, contrary balance, follow reliance animal metaphors, 750-751, burn house roast pig." necessity, deems permits majoritarian tastes preclude entering homes receptive, unoffended minority. result. Where individuals constituting offended freely choose offered, warrant suppression grounds. supra. 736 (1970), Brothers confirms belies Rowan, upheld statute, 4009 (1964 ed., Supp. IV), permitting householders mail advertisers stop sending lewd remove names lists. Unlike situation wished sender's so. Equally important, ermination offensiveness vel non householder; evaluation mail's stood mailer householder. visage discernible 87 Most understandable commendable sympathy Unfortunately, facial justification masks insufficiency. consequently "can adopt adults," Paris Adult Theatre Slaton, 49, 106-107, 2628, 2659-2660, 446 (1973) (BRENNAN, accounted societal adopting "variable obscenity" standard assessed minors. (1968). then-applicable Memoirs 383 413, 975, (1966), "[w]e (1973)] formulation." 213 10, 2275. abundantly "under test minors 'such way, erotic.' 2275 quoting 20, 1785. obviously allows gaining them.2 thus recent "[s]peech legitimate suppressed ideas images body thinks unsuitable 213-214, 2275.3 pronouncements especially lamentable anomalous subsidiary effect, least unavailable kept spades principle challenge Michigan forbade publication, sale, distribution "tending incite violent depraved immoral acts, manifestly tending corruption morals youth." 525. decided, arguable suppress unconstitutional. Speaking Frankfurter reasoned: incidence reduce thereby arbitrarily curtails liberties individual, enshrined Due Process Clause Fourteenth attested indispensable conditions maintenance progress society." 383-384, 526. Where, applies fortiori. acknowledges lurks potential 'reduc[ing] children,' 760, expresses faith vigilantly becoming reality. far warranted, Illinois Citizens Committee 187-190, 515 397, 418-421 (1975) (statement Bazelon, C. voted grant rehearing en banc); shared easily shirk assumed Member jealously guard encroachments freedoms. adequate 757-758, 749-750, stress time-honored parent sees fit—a vigilant protect. Wisconsin Yoder, 406 1526, Pierce Society Sisters, 268 510, 571, 1070 (1925). reached Yoder regarding upbringing surprising unabashed "dirty healthy, deem desirable expose defuses taboo surrounding Such minority numbers fashion right's existence. Only regrettable that.4 demonstrated above, STEVENS—the audience—can, terms, asserted justifications plagued failing: principled censorship. readily mind, extent assert children-in-the-audience rationales expunging Taken logical extreme, cleansing "four-letter whatsoever, context. banning myriad literary works, novels, poems, plays likes Shakespeare, Joyce, Hemingway, Ben Jonson, Henry Fielding, Burns, Chaucer; Nixon tapes; provide portions Bible.5 dispel specter unpalatable defuse overbreadth challenge, insists desires reprimand describes nearly twelve minutes depict community's 45. permit "sort treatment," 757, insure exceed bounds, prudent accurately assess kinds speech.6 accepting facts,7 weed worthless belongs where, resided: orthy unsullied censor's hand. hesitancy demonstrably inadequate little, any, curtailment exchanges ready countenance unclear decision, reasoning significantly infringe disingenuous reality law. My apologetically described narrow, 750, comfort observation "[a] form, serious communication," 743 solace conviction "[t]here few, language." impact divorced vehicle transparently fallacious. capsule idea, evoke emotion, conjure image. appropriately high cherished rights, "censor" speaking truism surgically separated express warned "we indulge facile assumption running process." 26, 1788. alternative phrasing communicate abstract doubtful sterilized convey emotion apparent Cohen. "[W]e overlook illustrated episode linguistic dual function: conveys capable precise, detached explication, inexpressible emotions well. emotive cognitive solicitous regard practically speaking, overall communicated." 25-26, "[a]dults feel purchase tapes records theaters nightclubs [the tabooed] 750 28. agrees: opinion." 760. display sad insensitivity alternatives expenditure money, effort wishing afford, naive innocence message. analogized zoning ordinances wrong. muster valid goals 34, J.); 80, 2457 crucial —opinions, bare five-person distributors market impair viewing public's 62, 35, 2455 Again, desiring send actions. Although, point disseminated consolation among financial, advantage means. frustrated POWELL's gratuitous advice sent carrying message, transforming satirist's potent audience; making. quite evident unstitch warp woof reshape fabric reaches dangerous lamentable. runs throughout vein disturbing: depressing inability appreciate land cultural pluralism, think, act, talk share fragile sensibilities. acute ethnocentric myopia enables contain. 101 "A crystal, transparent unchanged, skin living greatly color used." Towne Eisner, 245 418, 425, 159, 372 (1918) (Holmes, everyday conversations some, many, innumerable subcultures compose Nation. Academic research indeed baron Jackson, "Get Your Ass Water Swim Me" Dillard, English W. Labov, Language Inner City: Studies Vernacular (1972). researcher "[w]ords 'bullshit' 'fuck' derogatory [black] vernacular contextual intonations." Bins, "Toward Ethnography Contemporary African Oral Poetry," Linguistics Working Papers 5, Page (Georgetown Univ. Press 1972). Keefe Geanakos, 359, 361 (CA1 1969) (finding "motherfucker" radicals protesters). 102 Today's reach, audiences persons expressions acceptable conscious flout conventions, socio-economic backgrounds.8 seen what, perspective, is: dominant culture's inevitable efforts groups mores conform thinking, acting, speaking. Moore East Cleveland, 431 494, 506-511, 1932, 1939-1942, 531 103 Pacifica, inquiry satire 'the airwaves,' "Carlin 95, 96. confirming prescience commentator evinces "seven besides describe "silly." Whether similarly prove "harmless" remains seen. hope will. 104 STEWART, WHITE, join, 105 recognizes wise "avoid [constitutional] issues." 734. disregards salutary principle—the avoid, possible, passing constitutionality.1 raised substantial.2 them, 106 pursuant acted, ed.),3 held, agrees, "obscene" 419, social, artistic lacks 97-98.4 plausible, compelled. "obscene." Since lacked Under address electronic 107 recently closely petitioner convicted violating "[e]very vile article." "construe[d] generic [§ 1461] sor 'patently descriptions "hard core" conduct examples California.' 2906, 500. Marks 430 188, 190, 990, 992, 260 1465). 108 Nothing 1461.5 silent,6 indications §§ similarly. similar antedated Hamling. Bennett, Fed.Cas. 1093 (No. 14,571) (CC SDNY 1879); Dunlop 165 486, 500-501, 375, 799; Enterprises 487, 1434-1435, 1437, 639 J.).7 originally enacted separately, codified together 1948 chapter "Obscenity." suggest sections meanings. H.R.Rep.No.304, A104-A106 109 hold, intended, speech.8 authorized, affirm Appeals. noted: "Congress revoke cease desist order, monetary forfeiture violation [§§] 312(a), 312(b), 503(b)(1)(E). (5) renewal, 307, 308." considerations: radios parents; receivers people's extra deference, 728 [90 736] (1970); unconsenting tune broadcast; scarcity spectrum space, 97. provides: "Whoever utters fined $10,000 imprisoned both." 303(g) 1082, amended, forth "Except provided chapter, necessity requires, shall— "(g) encourage interest." suggested, artistic, preceded warnings, evening, day, Chairman Wiley concurred joining Commissioners Reid Quello filed time. 102-103. Commissioner Robinson, Hooks, opinion: constitutes nuisance. governing 'indecency' inherent attribute themselves; conduct. called hour accompanied suitable warning, statute." 107-108, did, however comment: '[I]n produce covered live, opportunity journalistic editing.' inequitable responsible trust judgment, responsibility, sensitivity needs, tastes." 893 1091, 326. Zechariah Chafee, defending account service licenses, restriction narrowly: sure, went seventeenth century England—the deletion items dictation programs." Z. Government Mass 641 KFKB Comm'n, App.D.C. 79, 670 (1931), doctor controlled pharmaceutical association answered medical listeners. prescribed mixtures association. determined served doctor's interests. Act, held: contention merit. appellant's release license, exercised undoubted conduct, censorship." App.D.C., 81, 672. Trinity Methodist Church, South 311, 850 (1932), 288 599, 317, minister "pimps" "prostitutes" bitter Roman Catholic Church. renew citing affirmed, regulating "offend susceptibilities thousands youth immorality." 314, 853. court restraint, "this agencies Congress, refuse abused 312, 851. Bay Beacon, 216, 171 826 (1948); Idaho Microwave, 122 253, 729 (1965); Owners 136 352, 420 194 (1969), 922, 102. Cong.Rec. 12615 (1926) (remarks Sen. Dill); 5480 Rep. White); 2567 (1927) Scott); Hearings S.1 S.1754 Senate Interstate Commerce, 69th 121 (1926); H.R.5589 House Merchant Marine Fisheries, (1926). H.R.8825 70th passim (1928). 303(g). independent significance this. authorizing penalties incorporate 312(a)(6), 312(b)(2), 503(b)(1)(E) (1970 ed. V). validity linked penalty. establishes independence. prohibition. 1927, 14, 29, 33, 1168 1173; 501, 1086, 1100, 501 1934 Acts indicated strongest separable rest 38, 1174; 608, 1105, 608. codification structure, intended. relating Webster defines "a: altogether unbecoming: dictate expected appropriate: hardly suitable: UNSEEMLY b: conforming morality: ." Webster's Third International Dictionary point, "indecency" shorthand "patent offensiveness," 482, 1434, usage strikingly '[W]hile nudist magazine televising nudes programing "4-letter description, "lady Chatterly's Lover," (when book) book mailability purposes, utterance depiction TV questions.' Enbanc Programing Inquiry, F.C.C. 2303, 2307 (1960). re WUHY-FM, Sonderling Corp., R.R.2d 285, reconsideration, 777 Mile High Stations, 795 (1960); Palmetto F.C 250 (1962), reconsideration (1963), Robinson 118 144, 334 534 (1964), 379 843, 84, 49. reinforced Congress' subjects. Use postal fraudulent raises "grave questions." Hannegan Esquire, 327 156, 456, 461, 586. 436 775, 2096, 697; 371; 772. reason, presumption intends limits, supported Hamling's comparable deprive telecasts unless Anything newsstand examination publicly displayed television. play forces discourage "Smut may," Leventhal "drive confound Gresham," 35; prosperity traffic pornographic literature films appear skepticism. BRENNAN affirmatively, explicitly, post, 768 implicitly stand. Madison School Employment Relations 429 167, 175-176, 421, 426, 376; Bank Boston Bellotti, 435 765, 1407, 707. view; attempts show "essentially silly." 730. objects, expressed. belief confer privilege proselytizing, indiscriminate leaflet. "Obnoxious, gutter describing matters brutalizing human beings reducing mere bodily functions tradition performing private, discussion matters. Verbal acts exposing intimacies irrespective accompany exposure. With types tailored abuses put. Times 376 254, 710, 686 (special scienter rules libel suits brought officials); (government strictly truthfulness speech). 2458, importance arose Paul wearing jacket Draft." courtroom, took folded So evidence showed, arrested, disturbing peace, sentenced days prison. imposed viewers; "there [his] object 22, responding strenuous complaint, penalty command 309(a), 312(a)(2); WOKO, 329 U S. 223, 229, 213, 204. Shuttlesworth Birmingham, 147, 935, 162; Staub Baxley, 355 313, 277, 302. Outside balance speaker sometimes tip favor speaker, requiring away. 125. California: "While intrusion unwelcome dialogue , stressed 'we "captives" speech.' problem harassing calls hypothetical. debt collectors "plac[ing] telephone meaningful disclosure caller's identity"; "engaging repeatedly continuously annoy, abuse, harass number"; "us[ing] abuse hearer reader." Consumer Credit Protection Amendments, 877, II). 412. Adults closed sort; contain decided. prime-time recitation Geoffrey Chaucer's Miller's Tale adversely affected passages as: "And prively caughte hire queynte." Canterbury Tales, Complete Works (Cambridge 1933), 58, l. 3276: Leventhal's thoughtful 155-158, 32-35 (dissenting opinion). quickly him. addition, preface warnings. program. respect, appears differ books records, carry marquees. has, created exception Ohralik Ohio Assn., 447, 455-456, 1912, 1918-1919, 444 (1978). IV-A. deterred. 3037. Except (1977), past. Gooding 518, 1103, points 734, case; "it regulations." proceed cautiously, past, 42-43, 31, foresee undue "chilling" agree, meritless. refer differentiation Court," reference majority, consists appealed minors, unless, work, serio value." 24, 2615, (1973). drawn younger "other proscription[s]" alluded Erznoznik. difficulties adapting formulation "not 1286, (1968) doubt, suggests, 745 amounts since, hypothesis, incapable evaluating marks outermost rightly relying notion "spectrum scarcity" "although increasing diversity 152, (emphasis original). 1809, Samuel 25:22: "So unto enemies David, pertain morning pisseth wall"; Kings 18:27 Isaiah 36:12: "[H]ath men sit wall, dung, drink piss you?"; Ezekiel 23:3: committed whoredoms Egypt; youth; breasts pressed, bruised teats virginity."; 23:21: "Thus thou calledst remembrance lewdnes thy youth, bruising Egyptians paps Holy Bible (King James Version) (Oxford 1897). ultimately outcome tolerate falling core same, rudimentary imagine. insisted seeks estopped orders relentless repetition, longer interval, "language organs." "verbal treatment" "shock evening. availability members affected. news affairs apt interviews, statements, remarks group leaders unacceptable. e.g., Johnson Robison, 361, 366-367, 1160, 1165-1166, 389; Thirty-seven Photographs, 402 363, 369, 1400, 1404, 822; 569, 1666; 348, concurring); Crowell Benson, 285 296, 598. construing confrontation whenever 'a doubt' Rumely, 345 41, 45, 543, 545, 770; Blodgett Holden, 275 142, 148, 107, 206 Holmes, raising construed, valid. General Motors Corporation Columbia, 380 553, 1156, 68, Moorman Mfg. Bair, 437 267, 2340, 197. 739 13. thing, fail. SEC Chenery 318 94-95, 454, 462-463, 626; Sloan, 103, 117-118, 1702, 1711-1712, 148. circumvent mandate Unless [language] [is] illegal [1464], employ [it] action." 347 284, 290, 593, 597, 699. 1464's "profane" term. (apart case) 'obscene' parts proscription, applicable Simpson, 561 53, (CA7). originated 1172, 1091. Neither committee reports floor debates amended 1968 filthy, indecent" calls, 112, calls. H.R.Rep.No.1109, 90th 7-8 U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 1968, 1915. lenity statutes. Adamo Wrecking 275, 566, 573, 538. prosecution, 13, precedent: "It interpret. Department Justice. [1464] urged likewise cases." 600.

Classification Label: 2