Legal Document

394 U.S. 557 89 Supreme Court Reporter 1243 22 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 542 Robert Eli STANLEY, Appellant,v.State of GEORGIA. Number 293. Argued Jan. 14 and 15, 1969. Decided April 7, Wesley R. Asinof, Atlanta, Ga., for appellant. Judge Sparks, appellee. Mr. Justice MARSHALL delivered the opinion Court. 1 An investigation appellant's alleged bookmaking activities led to issuance a search warrant home. Under authority this warrant, federal state agents secured entrance. They found very little evidence activity, but while looking through desk drawer in an upstairs bedroom, one agents, accompanied by officer, three reels eight-millimeter film. Using projector screen living room, they viewed films. The officer concluded that were obscene seized them. Since further examination bedroom indicated appellant occupied it, he was charged with possession matter placed under arrest. He later indicted 'knowingly hav(ing) * matter' violation Georgia law.1 Appellant tried before jury convicted. affirmed. Stanley versus State, 224 Ga. 259, 161 South Eastern Reporter, 2nd 309 (1968). We noted probable jurisdiction appeal brought 28 Code KF62 § 1257(2), 393 819, 124, 21 90 2 raises several challenges validity his conviction.2 find it necessary consider only one. argues here, argued below, obscenity statute, insofar as punishes mere private matter, violates First Amendment, made applicable Fourteenth Amendment. For reasons set forth we agree cannot constitutionally be crime. 3 court below saw no valid constitutional objection even though extends than typical statute forbidding commercial sales material. It held '(i)t is not essential indictment charging such 'with intent sell, expose or circulate same." supra, at 261, S.E.2d, 311. State both question here us whether 'a imposing criminal sanctions upon (knowing) constitutional. In context, concedes present case appears 'first impression on exact point,'3 contends since 'obscenity within area protected speech press,' Roth States, 354 476, 485, 77 1304, 1309, 1498 (1957), are free, subject limits other provisions Constitution, see, e.g., Ginsberg New York, 390 629, 637—645, 88 1274, 1279—1283, 20 195 (1968), deal any way deemed necessary, just may things thought detrimental welfare their citizens. If can protect body citizen, not, Georgia, mind? 4 true does declare, seemingly without qualification, That statement has been repeated various forms subsequent cases. See, e.g. Smith California, 361 147, 152, 80 215, 218, 205 (1959); Jacobellis Ohio, 378 184, 186—187, 84 1676, 1677—1678, 12 793 (1964) (opinion Brennan, J.); U.S., 635, S.Ct., 1278. However, neither nor decision dealt precise problem involved case. convicted mailing circulars advertising, book, statute.4 defendant companion case, Alberts 'lewdly keeping sale indecent books, (of) writing, composing publishing advertisement them *.' Id., 481, 1307. None statements cited proposition 'this always assumed freedoms press' context punishing material; cases most part use mails distribute objectionable material some form public distribution dissemination.5 Moreover, none Court's decisions prosecution materials. Those power Federal Governments prohibit regulate certain actions taken intended respect matter.6 Indeed, exception, have unable discover which issue fully considered.7 5 do believe decided simply citing Roth. its progeny certainly mean Amendments recognize governmental interest dealing obscenity. But assertion cannot, every insulated from all protections. Neither reaches far. As said itself, '(c)easeless vigilance watchword prevent erosion (of Amendment rights) Congress States. door barring intrusion into left ajar; must kept tightly closed opened slightest crack encroachment more important interests.' 488, 1311. following discerned 'important interest' regulation holding foreclose implications 6 now well established Constitution protects right receive information ideas. 'This freedom press) necessarily Martin City Struthers, 319 141, 143, 63 862, 863, 87 L.Ed. 1313 (1943); see Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 482, 85 1678, 1680, 510 (1965); Lamont Postmaster General, 301, 307—308, 1493, 1496 1497, 398 (1965) (Brennan, J., concurring); cf. Pierce Society Sisters, 268 510, 45 571, 69 1070 (1925). This ideas, regardless social worth, Winters 333 507, 68 665, 667, 92 840 (1948), fundamental our free society. case—a printed filmed privacy person's own home—that takes added dimension. also except limited circumstances, unwanted intrusions one's privacy. 7 'The makers undertook secure conditions favorable pursuit happiness. recognized significance man's spiritual nature, feelings intellect. knew pain, pleasure satisfactions life things. sought Americans beliefs, thoughts, emotions sensations. conferred, against government, let alone—the comprehensive rights valued civilized man.' Olmstead 277 438, 478, 48 564, 572, 72 944 (1928) (Brandeis, dissenting). 8 See supra; NAACP Alabama, 357 449, 462, 78 1163, 1171, 1488 (1958). 9 These asserting us. read observe what pleases—the satisfy intellectual emotional needs inquiry contents library. these rights, there types materials individual possess. justifies arguing films obscene. think categorization 'obscene' insufficient justification drastic invasion personal liberties guaranteed Amendments. Whatever justifications statutes regulating obscenity, reach Amendmen means anything, business telling man, sitting alone house, books watch. Our whole heritage rebels giving government control men's minds. 10 And yet, face traditional notions liberty, asserts individual's mind effects argument amounts anything moral content thoughts.8 To some, noble purpose, wholly inconsistent philosophy Kingsley International Pictures Corporation Regents, 360 684, 688—689, 79 1362, 1365, 1512 (1959), '(t)his misconceives protects. Its guarantee confined expression ideas conventional shared majority. realm eloquent less unconvincing.' Cf. Joseph Burstyn, Incorporated Wilson, 343 495, 777, 96 1098 (1952). Nor relevant general, particular Court, arguably devoid ideological content. line between transmission entertainment much too elusive draw, if indeed drawn all. 667. dissemination inimical morality, premise legislation desirability controlling thoughts. 11 Perhaps recognizing this, exposure lead deviant sexual behavior crimes violence. There empirical basis assertion.9 important, concerned about inducing antisocial conduct, consumption should adhere view '(a)mong men, deterrents ordinarily applied crime education punishment violations law Whitney 274 357, 378, 47 641, 649, 71 1095 (1927) concurring). Emerson, Toward General Theory Yale L.J. 877, 938 (1963). Given knowledge, ground conduct chemistry manufacture homemade spirits. rejected necessity proving would create clear danger probably induce recipients conduct. 486—487, 1309—1310. different objections. example, might fall hands children, intrude sensibilities general public.10 Redrup 386 767, 769, 1414, 1415, 18 515 (1967). No dangers 13 Finally, faced prohibition incident statutory schemes prohibiting distribution. based difficulties producing actual convinced exist, did justify infringement pleases. Because so scheme restriction justified need ease administration otherwise laws. (1959). hold making crime.11 impaired today's holding. said, retain broad obscenity; extend Accordingly, judgment reversed remanded proceedings opinion. 15 ordered. 16 Judgment remanded. 17 BLACK, concurring. & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions reading movie films, labeled violating Fourteenth. My belief out many my prior opinions, 155, 219, (concurring opinion), Ginzburg 383 463, 86 942, 950, 31 (dissenting opinion). 19 STEWART, whom BRENNAN WHITE join, concurring result. Before commencement trial filed motion suppres had Fourth denied, admitted trial. affirming conviction, specifically determined lawfully seized. correctly determination clearly wrong principles law. today disregards preliminary hurry move newer frontiers. readily overlook serious inroads guarantees countenanced courts. provides 'no Warrants shall issue, cause, supported Oath affirmation, particularly describing place searched, persons seized.' purpose words people Nation forever searches unrestrained seizures hated hallmark colonial rule notorious writs assistance British Crown. Stanford Texas, 379 506, 509, 431. basic frustrated think, manner pernicious subtlety. happened began perfectly lawful became occasion unwarranted unconstitutional seizure officers gained admission house issued Commissioner. described 'the searched' particularity.1 With like particularity, 'things seized'—equipment, records, used derived illegal wagering business.2 after Commissioner apprised adequate cause it.3 23 doubt, therefore, authorized items specified empowered seize find.4 follows, acting when proceeded pulled open drawers desk. those gambling moving picture gave 24 principle stated two sentences 40 years ago: 25 requirement warrants describe makes impossible prevents thing another. taken, nothing discretion executing warrant.' Marron 275 192, 196, 74, 76, 231. 26 where course came contraband, evidence5 plain view. record could inspection. presents questions permissible scope arrested After finding them, spent 50 minutes exhibiting another room. Only then return downstairs arrest 27 Even much-criticized Rabinowitz, 339 56, 70 430, 94 653, emphasized 'exploratory undertaken 62, 434. bald rule. condone invite official legal ticket get home, and, once inside, launch unconfined indiscriminate armed unbridled warrant. Amendments, inadmissible Mapp 367 643, 81 1684, 1081. conviction reversed. 'Any person who know ngly bring exhibition, knowingly sell offer lend give away away, of, exhibit transmit another, advertise notice, printed, written, verbal, manufacture, duplicate print same, shall, knowledge reasonably nature guilty felony, thereof, punished confinement penitentiary year five years: Provided, however, event recommends, misdemeanor. herein, if, considered whole, applying contemporary community standards, predominant prurient interest, i.e., shameful morbid nudity, sex excretion.' Ga.Code Ann. 6301 (Supp.1968). argue opinion, assume tests advanced members 1081 (1961), grounds. Stewart, although disagreeing majority Mapp, Ohio proscribing 'not 'consistent assured action Amendment." 672, 1701. 1461. Ex parte Jackson, 727, 736—737, 877 (1878) (use mails); Chase, 135 255, 756, 758, 34 117 (1890) Robertson Baldwin, 165 275, 281, 326, 329, 41 715 (1897) (publication); Public Clearing House Coyne, 194 497, 508, 789, 793, 1092 (1904) Hoke 227 308, 322, 33 284, 57 523 (1913) interstate facilities); Near Minnesota, 283 697, 716, 51 625, 631, 75 1357 (1931) Chaplinsky Hampshire, 315 568, 571—572, 62 766, 768—769, 1031 (1942) (utterances); Hannegan Esquire, Inc., 327 146, 158, 66 456, 586 (1946) (1948) (possession sell); Beauharnais Illinois, 250, 266, 725, 735, 919 (1952) (libel). Many prosecutions distribute. (1967); Mishkin 502, 958, 56 (1966); (1964); recent children. (1968); Interstate Circuit, Dallas, 676, 1298, 225 Other procedures preventing material, predistribution approval. Freedman Maryland, 380 51, 734, 649 Bantam Books, Sullivan, 372 58, 83 584 (1963); Manual Enterprises, Day, 370 82 1432, 639 (1962). Still attempt 'kept being old, published, exhibited distributed circulated Marcus Search Warrant, 717, 719, 1708, 1709, 1127 (1961); A Quantity Copies Books Kansas, 205, 1723, 809 (1964). Book named 'John Cleland's Memoirs Woman Pleasure' Massachusetts, 413, 975, (1966), proceeding equity book. book 'for sale, loan distribution.' 422, 979. 170 St. 427, 166 North 387 (1960). Four seven judges felt prohibited Constitution. required concurrence 'all judges' declare unconstitutional. 'dissenting' expressed Herbert: 'I (obscene) literature adult constitute read, disbelieve, supervision liberties, dictate mature library seems writer individual.' St., 437, N.E.2d, 393. Shortly thereafter, interpreted require proof 'possession circulation exhibition.' Jacobellis, 173 22, 27—28, 179 781 (1962), rev'd grounds, interpretation designed avoid posed 'dissenters' Mapp. Ross, St.2d 37, 231 299 nonpublic legitimate uses similar reluctance make activity criminal, albeit largely (1890), sealed letter law's purge 'as far consistent reserved people, due regard security correspondence 758. amended include letters sustained form. Andrews 162 420, 798, 1023 (1896). Photographs, 156 F.Supp. 350 (D.C.S.D.N.Y.1957), denied Government confiscate imported Institute Sex Research, Indiana University. found, formulation, 'prurient seeking import utilize Thus, permitting applicable. unnecessary presented claimant, note (in Roth) concerning rejection light widespread Roth.' F.Supp., 360, n. 40. Redmond 384 264, 521 granted Solicitor General's vacate remand instructions dismiss husband wife mailed undeveloped each posing nude out-of-state firm developing. Ackerman 293 449 (C.A 9th Cir. 1961). 'Communities believe, act belief, immoral, individual, decent too, adults children corruptible morals character, source corruption eliminated. Obscenity suppressed primarily protection others. Much purity salvation 'consumer.' Obscenity, bottom, sin.' Henkin, Morals Constitution: Sin Col.L.Rev. 391, 395 Cairns, Paul, Wishner, Censorship: Assumptions Anti-Obscenity Laws Empirical Evidence, 46 Minn.L.Rev. 1009 (1962); M. Jahoda, Impact Literature: Psychological Discussion Some Censorship Debate (1954), summarized Frank Roth, 237 796, 814—816 (C.A.2d 1956). Model Penal dissemination. 251.4 (Prop. Official Draft 1962); 207.10 comment (Tent. 6, 1957); Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Packer, Limits Criminal Sanction 316—328 Schwartz, Offenses Code, 669 What infringes items, narcotics, firearms, stolen goods, turns statute's criminal. express filmed, recorded 793(d), possessor reason injury advantage foreign nation cases, compelling exist overriding possess '(T)he premises known 280 Springside Drive, S.E., story residence annex main floor constructed brick frame, Fulton County, Northern District '(B)ookmaking paraphernalia consisting bet slips, account sheets, recap collection adding machines, money business, records purchases, real estate bank transactions, property and/or operation represent fruits operated Sections 4411, 4412 7203 Internal Revenue 1954.' four lengthy detailed affidavits, setting grounds affiants' reasonable engaged enterprise, trade concealed house. fact almost actually bearing, course, search. constitutionality depends measure brings light. Byars 273 .S. 28, 29, 248, 520. Warden Md. Penitentiary Hayden, 294, 1642, 782.

Classification Label: 2