Legal Document

501 U.S. 560 111 S.Ct. 2456 115 L.Ed.2d 504 Michael BARNES, Prosecuting Attorney of St. Joseph County, Indiana, et al.v.GLEN THEATRE, INC., al. No. 90-26. Argued Jan. 8, 1991. Decided June 21, Syllabus Respondents, two Indiana establishments wishing to provide totally nude dancing as entertainment and individual dancers employed at those establishments, brought suit in the District Court enjoin enforcement state public indecency law which requires respondent wear pasties a G-string asserting that law's prohibition against total nudity places violates First Amendment. The court held involved here was not expressive conduct. Appeals reversed, ruling nonobscene performed for is protected expression, statute an improper infringement activity because its purpose prevent message eroticism sexuality conveyed by dancers. Held: judgment reversed. 904 F.2d 1081 (CA9 1990), Chief Justice, joined Justice O'CONNOR KENNEDY, concluded Indiana's does violate Amendment's guarantee freedom expression. Pp. 565-572. (a) Nude kind sought be conduct within outer perimeters Amendment, although only marginally so. See, e.g., Doran v. Salem Inn, Inc., 422 922, 932, 95 2561, 2568, 45 648. P. (b) Applying four-part test United States O'Brien, 391 367, 376-377, 88 1673, 1678-1679, 20 672 rejected contention symbolic speech entitled full Amendment protection—the justified despite incidental limitations on some activity. clearly State's constitutional power. And it furthers substantial governmental interest protecting societal order morality. Public statutes reflect moral disapproval people appearing among strangers places, this particular follows line laws, dating back 1831, banning nudity. States' traditional police power defined authority health, safety, morals, such basis legislation has been upheld. Paris Adult Theatre I Slaton, 413 49, 61, 93 2628, 2637, 37 446. This unrelated suppression free since evil State seeks prevent, whether or combined with proscribe these are conveying erotic message. To contrary, performance may presented without any interference, so long performers scant amount clothing. Finally, restriction no greater than essential furtherance interest. Since statutory means end, but end itself, cavil narrowly tailored. 566-572. SCALIA statute—as general regulating specifically directed either practice face—is subject normal scrutiny should upheld ground opposition supplies rational prohibition. Cf. Employment Division, Oregon Dept. Human Resources Smith, 494 ----, 110 1595, 108 876. There intermediate level requiring here, important 2458-2463. SOUTER, agreeing issue degree protection, appropriate analysis determine actual protection required, preventing secondary effects adult prostitution, sexual assaults, other criminal activity—is sufficient under O'Brien justify dancing. prevention falls In addition, asserted plainly substantial, could have furthered dancing, even localized proof harmful effects. See Renton Playtime Theatres, 475 41, 50, 51, 106 925, 930, 89 29. Moreover, pernicious merely associated result expression inherent Id., 48, S.Ct., 929. further interest, moderate minor when measured dancer's remaining capacity opportunity express 2458-2462. REHNQUIST, C.J., announced delivered opinion JJ., joined. SCALIA, J., filed concurring judgment. WHITE, dissenting opinion, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, Wayne E. Uhl, Nashville, Tenn., petitioners. Bruce J. Ennis, Jr., Washington, D.C., respondents. REHNQUIST Court. 1 Respondents South Bend, wish entertainment, who establishments. They claim prevents from enforcing form We reject their claim. 2 facts appear pleadings findings Court, uncontested here. Kitty Kat Lounge, Inc. (Kitty Kat) located city Bend. It sells alcoholic beverages presents "go-go dancing." Its proprietor desires present "totally dancing," applicable "pasties" "G-string" they dance. paid hourly wage, work commission. receive 100 percent commission first $60 drink sales during performances. Darlene Miller, one respondents action, had worked about years time action brought. Miller wishes dance she believes would make more money doing 3 Respondent Glen Theatre, corporation place business primary supplying so-called through written printed materials, movie showings, live enclosed "bookstore." "bookstore" consists seminude performances showings female body glass panels. Customers sit booth insert coins into timing mechanism permits them observe period time. One Theatre's dancers, Gayle Ann Marie Sutro, danced, modeled, acted professionally 15 years, addition her can seen pornographic nearby theater. App. Pet. Cert. 131-133. 4 sued Northern statute, Ind.Code § 35-45-4-1 (1988), complete violated originally granted respondents' prayer injunction, finding facially overbroad. Seventh Circuit deciding previous litigation respect Supreme precluded possibility challenge,1 remanded plaintiffs pursue applied Pearson, 802 287, 288-290 (1986). On remand, "the type perform Constitution States," rendered favor defendants. Civil City 695 F.Supp. 414, 419 (ND Ind.1988). case again appealed Circuit, panel reversed holding 887 826 (CA7 1989). then heard en banc, series comprehensive thoughtful opinions. majority 1990). certiorari, 498 38, 112 (1990), now hold requirement must 5 Several our cases contain language suggesting 648 (1975), we said: "[A]lthough customary 'barroom' involve barest minimum recognized California LaRue, 409 109, 118, 390, 397, 34 342 (1972), might Fourteenth circumstances." Schad Borough Mount Ephraim, 452 66, 101 2176, 2181, 68 671 (1981), said "[f]urthermore, courts recognized, protections official regulation" (citations omitted). These statements support conclusion though view This, course, inquiry. afforded issue, impermissible 6 banned such, proscribed across board. construed preclude what essentially accommodation Lounge. point out, minors excluded there non-consenting viewers. contend while license ones limit geographical area do business, way dances violating petitioner contends, hand, valid "time, manner" Clark Community Creative Non-Violence, 468 288, 104 3065, 82 221 (1984). 7 place, developed evaluating restrictions taking property dedicated "public forum," Ward Rock Against Racism, 491 781, 791, 109 2746, 2753, 105 661 (1989), least occasion occurring private property. 29 observed interpreted embody much same standards set forth (1968), turn, therefore, rule enunciated O'Brien. 8 burned his draft card steps Boston courthouse presence sizable crowd, convicted prohibited knowing destruction mutilation card. He claimed conviction contrary act "symbolic speech"—expressive saying: 9 "[E]ven assumption alleged communicative element O'Brien's bring play necessarily follow registration certificate constitutionally 'speech' 'nonspeech' elements course conduct, sufficiently nonspeech freedoms. characterize quality appear, variety descriptive terms: compelling; substantial; subordinating; paramount; cogent; strong. Whatever imprecision inheres terms, think clear government regulation if Government; interest; expression; freedoms interest." 1678-1679 (footnotes 10 above, find interests. impossible discern, text exactly legislators mind enacted record legislative history, state's highest shed additional light statute's purpose. Nonetheless, morality history. sort ancient origin, presently exist 47 States. indecency, including nudity, offense common law, common-law roots "gross open indecency" Winters New York, 333 507, 515, 665, 670, 92 L.Ed. 840 (1948). considered malum se. Le Roy Sidley, Sid. 168, Eng.Rep. 1036 (K.B.1664). before us places. 11 earlier all history shows predates barroom At early punishing "open notorious lewdness, . grossly scandalous indecency." Rev.Laws Ind., ch. 26, 60 (1831); Ind.Rev.Stat., 53, 81 (1834). A gap effect filled Ardery State, 56 Ind. 328 (1877), sustain exhibition "privates" others. traced Bible story Adam Eve. 329-330. 1881, remain unchanged nearly century: 12 "Whoever, being over fourteen age, makes indecent exposure person where persons offended annoyed thereby, guilty indecency. ." 1881 Ind.Acts, 37, 90. 13 quoted above remained until simultaneously repealed replaced 1976. 1976 Pub.L. 148, Art. 45, 4, 1.2 14 were designed protect morals order. legislation. 446 (1973), "In Roth [v. States, 354 476 [77 1304, 1498] (1957) ], implicitly accepted legislature legitimately 'the social morality.' [Id.], 485 1309]." (Emphasis omitted.) 16 Bowers Hardwick, 478 186, 196, 2841, 2846, 140 (1986), 17 "The however, constantly based notions morality, laws representing choices invalidated Due Process Clause, will very busy indeed." 18 Thus, 19 Some restricting grounds related disagree. argued, almost limitless types public—are "expressive," sense word true. People go expressing something themselves doing. But expansive notion "expressive conduct" "We cannot accept apparently labelled whenever engaging intends thereby idea." U.S., 376, 1678. 21 Dallas Stanglin, 490 19, 1591, observed: 22 "It possible kernel every undertakes—for example, walking down street meeting one's friends shopping mall—but dance-hall patrons coming together engage recreational dancing—is Amendment." 25, 1595. 23 prohibiting generally suppressing Therefore, reason application fails third part test, viz: 24 applies nightclubs proscribing Presumably numerous similar clubs interference state, Likewise, don deprive whatever conveys; simply slightly less graphic. perceived address appearance shapes, sizes ages beach, convey little message, yet still it. 25 buttressed reference An Congress provided anyone knowingly destroyed selective service committed offense. Courthouse influence others adopt anti-war beliefs. conviction, reasoning continued availability issued certificates served legitimate administration system. deliberate frustrated "for non-communicative aspect nothing else, he convicted." 382, 1682. assumed burning 1682, noncommunicative prosecuted. So statute; element, prohibited, done nude. 26 fourth As indicated discussion strangers. itself. "narrowly tailored;" modest, bare necessary achieve 27 accordingly 28 Reversed. 30 agree my view, challenged upheld, survives lower First-Amendment scrutiny, because, all. 31 * provides: 32 "(a) intentionally, place: 33 "(1) engages intercourse; "(2) deviate conduct; 35 "(3) appears nudity; 36 "(4) fondles genitals himself another person; commits Class misdemeanor. 38 "(b) 'Nudity' showing human male genitals, pubic area, buttocks fully opaque covering, breast covering nipple, covered discernibly turgid state." (1988). 39 face, particular. Judge Easterbrook put dissent below: "Indiana regulate regulates Almost entire domain unless beaches topless hot dog vendors speech." 1081, 1120 1990) (Easterbrook, dissenting). intent "message eroticism" (or message) indecency; nor commit most explicit eroticism," four specified acts process.1 40 tradition never thought run afoul understanding indecency—including nudity—has law. 50 Am.Jur.2d 449, 472-474 (1970); A.L.R. 996, 997-998 (1934); Rev. Laws (1831), predated many scope, just succeeding statutes, one, same. Were targeted turning blind eye unclothed purveyors dogs machine tools, see F.2d, 1120, 1121, posed reality adduced evidence that. officials prosecutions activities having element. Bond 515 N.E.2d 856, 857 (Ind.1987); re Levinson, 444 1175, 1176 (Ind.1983); Preston 259 353, 354-355, 287 347, 348 (1972); Thomas 238 658, 659-660, 154 503, 504-505 (1958); Blanton 533 190, 191 (Ind.App.1989); Sweeney 486 651, 652 (Ind.App.1985); Thompson 482 1372, 1373-1374 Adims 461 740, 741-742 (Ind.App.1984); Elliott, 435 302, 304 (Ind.App.1982); Lasko 1124, 1126 (Ind.App.1980).2 41 confidently asserts, post, 590-591, nonconsenting parties offense; argues consenting, admission-paying dance, apply relate performance. Perhaps dissenters believe "offense others" ought generally, thinking society ever shared Thoreauvian "you - you -like injure someone -else" beau ideal—much Constitution. violated, think, 60,000 consenting adults crowded Hoosierdome display another, innocent crowd. Our prohibits, societies certain harm considered, phrase, "contra bonos mores," i.e., immoral. American society, prohibitions included, sadomasochism, cockfighting, bestiality, suicide, drug use, sodomy. While great diversity various (though found few ready abandon, principle, them) doubt that, absent specific involved, prohibit "morality." (1986) (upholding homosexual sodomy solely presumed belief electorate [the jurisdiction] immoral unacceptable"). also 68, n. 15, 2641, (1973); Dronenburg Zech, 239 U.S.App.D.C. 229, 238, 6, 741 1388, 1397, (1984) (opinion Bork, J.). both manner demonstrate, enforce expose parts indiscriminately, regardless disedified. so, positing thoroughly edified present, repression communication.3 II 42 implicate 43 explicitly protects [and] press"—oral speech—not conduct." When restricts speech, communication (for instance, reduce noise, Saia 334 558, 561, 1148, 1150, 1574 (1948), election campaigns, Buckley Valeo, 424 1, 16, 96 612, 633, 46 659 (1976), littering, Schneider 308 147, 163, 146, 84 155 (1939)), insist meet high, standard justification. virtually purpose—if fact actor disagrees Florida Free Beaches, Miami, 734 608, 609 (nude sunbathers challenging "message" indecent). reasonably demanded, incidentally produced pass even—as suggested, 377, 1679, (1968)—that "important substantial" Nor holdings require justification: reached engaged purposes demonstrate 44 say affords Where prohibits precisely attributes, unconstitutional. Eichman, 496 2404, (1990) (burning flag); Texas Johnson, 2533, (1989) (same); Spence 418 405, 94 2727, 842 (1974) (defacing Tinker Des Moines Independent School District, 393 733, 731 (1969) (wearing black arm bands); Brown Louisiana, 383 131, 86 719, 637 (1966) (participating silent sit-in); Stromberg California, 283 359, 51 532, 75 1117 (1931) (flying red flag).4 each foregoing cases, object case, however—where use forbidding reasons—we allowed stand. 1679 (law cardburning protest war); FTC Superior Trial Lawyers Assn., 493 411, 768, 107 851 (Sherman Act restraint trade low pay); cf. Albertini, 472 675, 687-688, 2897, 2905-2906, 536 (1985) (rule barring military base entrance sleeping parks dramatize plight homeless). expressed Johnson: freer hand spoken word. not, elements. What termed generalized nature inadequate singling out proscription." 406, 2540. (internal quotations citations omitted; emphasis original). All admittedly discussion) directly indirectly impede threshold inquiry suppress communication. If matter far guarantees concerned; proceeds justification Non-Violence Watt, 227 55-56, 703 586, 622-623 (1983) (en banc) (Scalia, dissenting), (footnote omitted), rev'd Such regime ensures communication, conduct-restricting (which regulation) survive enhanced scrutiny. adopted context: Exercise. 876 religious practices did heightened diminished people's ability religion. government's socially like carry aspects policy, 'cannot depend measuring objector's spiritual development.' " ---- [110 1603], quoting Lyng Northwest Indian Cemetery Protective 439, 451, 1319, 1326, 99 534 (1988); Minersville Gobitis, 310 594-595, 1010, 1012-1013, 1375 (1940) (Frankfurter, J.) ("Conscientious scruples struggle toleration, relieved obedience aimed promotion beliefs."). approach Relatively plausibly assert illegal reasons; other, value (religion expression) obeyed. III 48 plurality's conclusions differ greatly own, entirely endorse reasoning. plurality purports insofar allegedly scrutiny: 'important substantial,' ante, 567, 1679. indicated, exists. avoid wherever possible, moreover, method judicial assessment "importance" interests—and especially interests 49 Neither cites 569, point. 2637 uphold concerns decency morality; neither particularly "important" "substantial," amounted anything regulation. Slaton which, obscene extent public, unprotected 476, 77 1498 (1957); therefore basis. "right maintain decent society" "legitimate" regulation—even material viewed adults. 59-60, 2636-2637. Bowers, behavior fundamental right, Georgia intercourse needed comply Clause. Moral homosexuality, said, 2846. ground: prohibition, needed. choose employ sure select forbidden. For reasons, 52 53 Not previously categorized ballroom beyond 24-25, 1594-1595, aerobic exercise likewise outside concern. hypothetical audience gives emotion feeling, dancer feeling expressed, absence clue, eroticism, carrying endorsement experience. content described record. 54 Although inherently expressive, per se not. condition, activity, voluntary more, expresses condition somehow circumstances. implies idea, implication thus minimal calling concept meaningless. search choice often yield nothing: maximum sunbathing. stimulative attractive certainly enhance force going clothed nude, strip-tease, integrated function. Thus freely protection. 55 required enquiry judging limits burdening distinct pure representation. nonetheless write separately rest concurrence judgment, sufficiency society's views combating typified is, true articulated courts. observes, purpose," 568. sound circumstances infer "of statute's] history," ibid., need ourselves identifying consider petitioners' assertion "encourag[es] increas[es] attract[s] activity." Brief Petitioners 37. 57 ignored unclear motivated Legislature enacting statute. focus empirical legislature, rather existence current constitutional. McGowan Maryland, 366 420, 1101, (1961). conduct,1 "[w]e decline void [a statute] unwise legislature] undoubted enact reenacted exact legislator made 'wiser' it." supra, 384, 1683. petitioners assault, presumably applications 58 outset, evils satisfies criterion. id., second prong asks "furthers Ibid. one; question "furthers" addressed establish does. 59 city's zoning ordinance occurrence effects, crime approximately 95% placement motion picture theaters emphasizing 'matter depicting, describing relating "specified activities" anatomical areas" observation therein.' 44, 927. Of importance enquiry, compelled studies problems caused city. Rather, "Renton rely experiences Seattle cities," 931, demonstrated correlated [adult] theater given neighborhood." 930; Young Mini 427 71, 34, 2440, 2453, (1976) (legislative "a concentration 'adult' causes deteriorate become crime"); 111, 393, (1972) (administrative entertainment). seek character Renton, LaRue. leap likely produce films displaying Renton. Other reported arose confirm conclusion. Marren, 890 924, 926 1989) (prostitution establishment); Doerr, 886 944, 949 (same). Renton's recognition seeking combat await conclude offered Lounge crimes. Given "society's wholly different, lesser, magnitude untrammeled political debate," 70, 2452, affirmatively undertake litigate repeatedly case. O'Brien.2 61 "unrelated expression," and, prostitution "because creating [the] thoughts ideas [expressed dancing] minds spectators lead increased prostitution," 592, fear prove persuasive 62 major premise dissent's correct, causal theory regulatory say, rather, offering precise correlation actually are. higher incidence assault vicinity locations results crowds men predisposed activities, simple viewing bodies chain causation component 63 Because evils, relationship between regulated local content-neutral (a determination expression" 298, 3071, (1984)) "justified 929 (emphasis decide cause regulated. Similarly "secondary effects" [expression]," ibid. sufficient, context sexually expression,3 satisfy test. 64 discussion. Pasties degree, sure, degree. Dropping final stitch limitation Nor, told, employer limited short obscenity articulate representational means; featuring respondents, playing authorities arose. 65 Accordingly, satisfied concur 66 whom STEVENS join, dissenting. 67 observing prior decisions permit surprisingly, then, concedes "nude Ante, 566. recognizing, observed, art "inherently embodies emotions." 1087 banc).1 Having arrived enjoys states "determine guidance, turns forbidden pursuit finds respects. 69 acknowledges discern concludes "societal morality." goes "was prohibition," 568 added), points power, ultimately 569. holds drawn serve 70 Court's erroneous several Both overlook critical upholding powers. None upon, truly proscriptions individuals destroying cards completely home. sodomy, occur, home peyote users drugs extends By contrast, suggest to, occurs, understand intrusive suggestion tenable decision Stanley Georgia, 394 557, 1243, 542 (1969), punish mere possession privacy own 71 told General Baysinger, 272 236, 397 580 (1979), larger meriting involved. 30-31; Reply 9-11. avoided applying obtain theatrical productions, Salome Hair. 11-12. attempted plays, ballets operas. "No arrests ballet." (affidavit Sgt. Timothy Corbett). 72 cases. result, SCALIA's references promoting concededly reaches significant Instead, obligated carefully examine reasons chosen words, enacts draws nonexpressive regulated, burden distinctions made. Closer surely appropriate. 73 Legislators randomly proscription; illuminate passed. Indeed, multiple purposes. parks, beaches, stands, possibly barrooms viewers exclusively pay dances. proscription contexts communicates. why (1984), help State: damage sleepers camping fun, homeless, wished park statement behalf homeless." 1103 (Posner, concurring). That case: streets taverns. tells us, SOUTER agrees, goal describes "content neutral" "deterrence degradation women, break family structure." 11. attainment goals, depends 74 nevertheless "proscribing dancers." 570. suggests ban sends message; impact transparently erroneous. arriving conclusion, conveys muted wore G-strings. emotional intensified performers. Posner argued Appeals, integral emotions evokes. 1090-1098. sight clothed, partially different spectator dancer, performed. itself "conduct." pointed '[n]udity alone' otherwise mantle Mt. (1981). 76 G-strings forbids distinctive, generate feelings sensuality women. generating thoughts, ideas, essence neatly pigeonholed "conduct" independent dance.2 dictates accorded 411-412, 2543-2544, "Whether Johnson's treatment flag depended preserving special exacting scrutiny.' Boos Barry, [312], 321 [108 1157, 1164, 333] [ (1988) ]." Content "will accomplish compelling Grace, 171, 177, 103 1702, 1707, 736 (1983); Sable Communications FCC, 492 115, 126, 2829, 2836, (1989). Nothing clearer 78 high art, least, appeal hardly excuse distorting ignoring settled doctrine. artistic merits determining factor words Harlan, "it largely principled leaves matters taste style individual." Cohen 403 91 1780, 1788, 284 (1971). "[W]hile ballet Lincoln Center price vastly (as judges) critics), substance wants 'entertainment' beer shot rye." Frank, 18, (CA2 1974), aff'd part, (1975). 79 saying substantial. interests, drawn. genuinely concerned seems interfere expressiveness perhaps performing, times distance spectators, hours, providing dispersed throughout criminalize behavior. Banning category narrow tailoring strict Frisby Schultz, 487 474, 485, 2495, 2501, 420 Furthermore, barrooms, compared worrisome problem, invoke Twenty-first powers impose York Liquor Authority Bellanca, 714, 2599, 357 (1981) (per curiam); supra. it, affirm supporting withstand standard. 80 suffer defects. asserts purpose, triggered unquestionably expressive. (SCALIA, Justice's proposition state: appearances theaters. hence, irrelevant forbidden, irrespective position—that contemplate—is nonexistent Reference clear. Hoosiers Hoosierdome. No doubt, perfectly drive respective homes once there, parade around, cavort, revel hours front relatives friends. difficult situation, if, suggest, evil, reach earlier, failure closer infra, 590. explained previously, customers exposed distinctive here: "Where unconstitutional." 577. 83 SCALIA. position, Court's, eviscerate targets itself; occurred ceremony, supported appeared give limiting construction save facial overbreadth attack: "There right public. tolerate allow involved." 247, 580, 587 (1979) added) appeals dism'd sub nom. 2146, 783, Dove 449 806, 52, (1980). Five after "not herein, obscenity," involving "Miss Erotica Fort Wayne" contest. Erhardt 224 (Ind.1984). discuss issues cursory comment attack Erhardt's fell Hunter dissented, arguing unconstitutionally My concluding already (Hunter DeBruler, dissenting)." 225-226, 580. DeBruler Erhardt. unconstitutional activities. Code "Public Indecency "Sec. 1. characterized defense forward oral argument below attorney referred seemed performances, alternative: (1) neutral (2) event contradict not); waive abandon shown historical refuted litigating single interpreted, applies, productions. (1979). am versus non-theater represents distinction format, assuming describes, 564, dissent, 590, 595-596, misunderstands meant term "general law." mean times. "general" regard Concededly, bans (That surprising, offense, runs E.g., Am.Jur.2d, 472-474.) confirms, refutes, law: similarly private, easy attributes called expressive," prefer call "conventionally expressive"—such flying flag. phrase assume expressive") normally communicating emotion, else. fits description, 24, (social group "do[es] association protect"). does, Nudity idea emotion. Cf., Edwards Aguillard, 578, 2573, 510 (1987) (striking Establishment Clause due intent). challenge upon contexts. enough, rationale classes productions readily analogized see, how production "Hair" "Equus" somewhere "adult" avoiding Renton-type mindful, lesser forms 2, 929, citing (1976). 577, better view: "Dance moving rhythmical way, usually music, narrate story, take delight movement itself.' Encyclopedia Britannica 935 Inherently, ideas. root '[t]he varied manifestations lies impulse resort externalise means. basic dance.' Martin, Introduction Dance (1939). Aristotle Poetics 'to represent men's well suffer.' raw noted French poet Stephane Mallarme declared 'writing things paragraphs dialogue prose.' 1085-1086. dealt dancing; submission rejected, plaintiff's associational rights admission halls age. true, agrees satisfied, connection prevent. ----. SOUTER's flawed correct negative regulate, absolute real problem "concentration the" designated fashion include

Classification Label: 2