Legal Document

491 U.S. 576 109 S.Ct. 2633 105 L.Ed.2d 493 MASSACHUSETTS, Petitionerv.Douglas OAKES. No. 87-1651. Argued Jan. 17, 1989. Decided June 21, Syllabus In 1984, respondent Oakes took color photographs of his partially nude and physically mature 14-year-old stepdaughter, L.S. He was indicted, tried, convicted violating a Massachusetts statute (§ 29A) prohibiting adults from posing or exhibiting minors "in state nudity" for purposes visual representation reproduction in any publication, motion picture, photograph, picture. The Supreme Judicial Court reversed the conviction. After holding that Oakes' speech First Amendment purposes, court struck down as substantially overbroad under without addressing whether § 29A could be constitutionally applied to Oakes. It concluded criminalized conduct virtually every person would regard lawful, such taking family infants. Subsequently, amended add "lascivious intent" requirement "nudity" portion eliminate exemptions contained prior version. Held: judgment is vacated, case remanded. 401 Mass. 602, 518 N.E.2d 836, vacated Justice O'CONNOR, joined by THE CHIEF JUSTICE, WHITE, KENNEDY, that: 1 1. As practical matter, intervening amendment moots overbreadth question this case. Thus, analysis inappropriate Bigelow v. Virginia, 421 809, 95 2222, 44 600. doctrine—an exception general rule whom may can no longer challenge on ground it unconstitutionally others—is designed prevent chilling protected expression, which former version cannot do since has been repealed. That discussed rejected mode Bigelow—where there need comment issue defendant's conviction narrower alternative unconstitutional applied—is evidence application does not depend other questions presented will answered adversely defendant. offensive decline reach challenge, an void ab initio but merely voidable. Since special concern animates doctrine present, doctrine's benefits extended defendant whose protected. Moreover, pending appeal different, terms applying new law past conduct, appellate adopting limiting construction cure overbreadth. This long held latter situation statute, construed, occurring before construction. Pp. 581-584. 2 2. sole become moot, live dispute remains Oakes, remanded determination remaining issue. 584-585. 3 SCALIA, BRENNAN, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, subsequent basis defense. serves protect legitimate only after offending enacted, also when legislature contemplating what sort enact. If proscribable lost, so narrowed final appeal, legislatures have significantly reduced incentive stay within constitutional bounds first place. while power adopt says acts were lawful because sought prohibit them therefore invalid, pursue policy underlying conditioning criminal liability whether, time last exhausted, letting him might serve "chill." 585-588. 4 should below dispose as-applied impermissibly overbroad. scope already validated except nonpornographic depictions, New York Ferber, 458 747, 102 3348, 73 1113, further statutory exemptions, possibly it—for example, artistic depictions otherwise exempt photographs—is insubstantial judged relation statute's plainly sweep. 588-590. 5 J., announced delivered opinion, REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE JJ., joined. filed opinion concurring part dissenting part, joined, Part I, post, p. 585. MARSHALL 590. 6 James M. Shannon, Atty. Gen., Com. Mass., Judy G. Zeprun, Madelyn F. Wessel, Asst. Attys. Boston, petitioner. 7 Richard J. Vita, respondent. 8 O'CONNOR KENNEDY join. 9 involves generally book, magazine, pamphlet, 10 * at case, Mass.Gen.Laws c. 272, (1986), enacted 1982.1 provides follows: 11 "Whoever with knowledge child eighteen years age, whoever possession facts he reason know age hires, coerces, solicits entices, employs, procures, uses, causes, encourages, knowingly permits pose exhibited nudity participate engage performance act depicts, describes represents sexual purpose picture film, shall punished imprisonment prison term less than ten nor more twenty years, fine thousand dollars fifty dollars, both imprisonment. 12 "It defense prosecution pursuant section posture exhibition produced, processed, published, printed manufactured bona fide scientific medical purpose, educational cultural school, museum library. 13 "As used section, 'performance' mean play, dance exhibit shown audience one persons." 14 Another 31 defines 15 "uncovered opaquely covered post-pubertal human genitals, pubic areas, female breast point immediately above top areola, male genitals discernibly turgid state. For definition, considered uncovered if nipple areola are covered. pre-pubertal persons area." Douglas approximately L.S., who attending modeling school. Tr. 22-30. depict sitting, lying, reclining bar, clad red white striped bikini panty scarf. scarf cover L.S.'s breasts, fully exposed all photographs. dissent described "sexually provocative type frequently found magazines displayed storekeepers sealed cellophane wrappers." 606, 838 (1988). See Brief Law Humanities Institute Amicus Curiae 47 (referring "pin-up" art). 16 indicted tried 29A. jury returned verdict guilty, sentenced years' Because instructed "sexual conduct" 29A, 101-104, its rested finding "hire[d], coerce[d], solicit[ed] entice[d], employ[ed], procure[d], use[d], cause[d], encourage[d], permit[ted]" "pose nudity." proscribed listed disjunctively, impossible ascertain those had committed. set forth 104, guilty indicates inapplicable. 17 A divided majority "fairly isolated" "expressive process her picture." 604, N.E.2d, 837. Without Amendment. "criminalize[d] lawful," make "a parent takes frontal view naked one-year-old running beach romping wading pool." Id., 605, 838. argued did constitute purposes: "Soliciting, causing, encouraging, permitting minor setting house afire order photograph burning house." 610, 841. even overbroad, severed remainder statute. 611, n. 4, 841, 4. 18 We granted certiorari review decision Court, 486 1022, 108 1994, 100 226 (1988), now vacate remand. II 19 substantial others. Board Airport Comm'rs Los Angeles Jews Jesus, Inc., 482 569, 574, 107 2568, 2572, 96 500 (1987); Brockett Spokane Arcades, 472 491, 503-504, 2794, 2801-2802, 86 394 (1985). Monaghan, Overbreadth, 1981 Rev. predicated danger overly broad left place, cause expression refrain exercising their rights fear sanctions. Schaumburg Citizens Better Environment, 444 620, 634, 826, 834, 63 (1980). Overbreadth wide-ranging effects, subject facial invalidation. referred "manifestl[y] strong medicine" employed "sparingly, resort." Broadrick Oklahoma, 413 601, 613, 93 2908, 2916, 37 830 (1973). 20 addressed where effect salutary. 600 (1975), convicted, amended. eliminated possibility "be again [the defendant] [would] chill others." 817-818, S.Ct., 2230. Because, "[a]s matter," "overbreadth ha[d] moot future," we declined "rest our overbreadth," choosing instead consider 818, 21 view, stands proposition being challenged grounds. There been—and indeed was—reversed ground, i.e., applied. id., 829, 2236. is, think, Indeed, appears based argument made State "justification doctrine." Appellee O.T.1974, 73-1309, 19, 10. 22 procedural indistinguishable Bigelow. certiorari, 1988 Mass.Acts, ch. 226. current margin,2 adds portion, addition, contains exemptions. repealed, future. Bigelow, over- breadth address it. 23 nothing about declining challenge. judicially created expression. An initio, rather voidable, invalidation notwithstanding unprotected out solicitude parties court. present repeal extend Pope Illinois, 481 497, 501-502, 1918, 1921-1922, 439 (1987) ("Facial invalidation" repealed "would preventing future prosecutions defective standard"). Cf. Upper Midwest Booksellers Assn. Minneapolis, 602 F.Supp. 1361, 1369 (Minn.) (amendment ordinance render d involved), aff'd, 780 F.2d 1389 (CA8 1985). note situations "may construction, provided affords fair warning defendants." Dombrowski Pfister, 380 479, 7, 85 1116, 1123, (1965) (citations omitted). U.S., 2916 invoked placed statute"). III 24 asked us petition decide alone. When usual course, cases coming courts alive, remand proceedings. DeFunis Odegaard, 416 312, 94 1704, 40 164 (1974). dismissed them, federal claim remained once particular became thereby making unnecessary. Attorney General Jersey Family Mortgage Corp. Florida, 487 1213, 2863, 101 899 (1988) (underlying mortgage foreclosure ended debt satisfied); Michigan Shabaz, 478 1017, 106 3326, 92 733 (1986) (respondent died); Tiverton License Pastore, 469 238, 685, 83 618 (1985) went business press); Aikens California, 406 813, 1931, 32 511 (1972) (petitioner obtained complete relief constitution decided); Ditson 372 933, 885, 769 (1963) executed acted upon). Here, 25 Vacated 26 BLACKMUN joins, STEVENS join part. 27 I agree O'CONNOR's conclusion unavailable alleged run afoul seems me strange judicial theory initially invalid resuscitated postconviction alteration obtained. think committed (because proscribes overbroad) retroactively unlawful preindictment. Of course tempted create curiosities allows attack punished, thus protecting right directly 503, 2801, And senseless apply protection achieved, "chilling" rights. Even argument, fails. ex ante, promulgation laws affecting cost free, it—that appeal—then account statutes never challenged, elapses ones come bounds, amount "chilled" consequence adopt. 28 More fundamentally, however, correct, free objectives through modes action traditionally followed law. my invalid. precisely, saying hold criminally liable not, depending upon off some uses excessive, manner rein in.1 seeks cloak extravagant conservative garb borrowed entirely different area law, "[a]n voidable." Ante, 584. heard voidable contract, notion bizarre. 29 find overbreadth, believe is. whole question, sketch views brief. 30 invalidated doctrine, must substantial, just absolute sense, "judged sweep." 615, 2917, 756-757, 3354-3355, 1113 (1982), "compelling" interest "safeguarding physical psychological well-being . minor[s]" against harm here. upheld directed use children pornographic (including nonobscene) materials. (Although prohibition related distribution pictures seem closer core Amendment.) depiction preadolescent postadolescent breasts. On alone, given known extent so-called kiddie-porn industry, Act May 98 Stat. 204, young models (to here apparently intended send step-daughter's photograph), estimate vastly exceeds illegitimate. But still, excludes material "produced, library." significant body remain, estimate, consists library," (the example posited court) snapshots. former: assuming proscribing breasts impermissible,2 far am aware, insignificant compared leaves photos. interpreted Assuming (as opposed foolish) photography, common deal unlikely event prosecutor brings indictment. supra, 773-774, 3362-3363, quoting Broadrick, 615-616, 2917-2918. Perhaps wrong estimation how posings prohibited done photographs—or context envisioned. My perception differs, BRENNAN's belief "abundance baby taken day" depicting 598. burden legitimately proscribable, invalidate entire someone else, "demonstrate text law] actual fact " exists. Club City, 1, 14, 2225, 2234, (emphasis added). 33 Having relied error, reverse permit 34 join, dissenting. 35 proper framework analyzing respondent's claims doubt. First, determine criminalizes does, then compelling regulating To Commonwealth's justify suppression ask law's "not real, well, sweep," (1973), adopted available narrowing constructions portions insofar lies so. excessively choice strike face, laudable numerous permissible applications; others charged argue actions, though forbidden proscribed.1 36 With possible step analysis, resolution these straightforward. Photography, painting, two-dimensional forms 272:29A expressive activities ordinarily qualify protection. See, e.g., Miller 15, 2607, 419 (1973) (works which, whole, possess serious value protected). modeling, independently virtue close association activities, enjoys like shelter Schad Mount Ephraim, 452 61, 66, 2176, 2181, 68 L. d.2d 671 (1981) ("[N]ude dancing protections official regulation"). Visual engaged performances lewdly cannot, status, obscene. (1982). nonobscene representations minors, including pornographic, shielded Constitution's guarantee speech. 764-765, 3358-3359. particular, "nudity, expression." 765, 18, 3359, citing Erznoznik City Jacksonville, 422 205, 213, 2268, 2274, 45 125 (1975). 29A's extends nudity," participation simulated clearly restrains ambit equally evident asserted exploitation abuse "of surpassing importance." 757, 3354. Ginsberg York, 390 629, 639-641, 88 1274, 1280-1282, 195 (1968). coercive enlistment, overt subtle, production pornography grave widespread evil States amply justified seeking eradicate. Massachusetts' ending undoubtedly suffices sustain ban reproduction. 38 Commonwealth lacks overriding interest, allowing appear photographs, films, or, adolescent girls, circumstances works "for One falls glaringly short cited Court: parents want infant toddlers bath beach, yet threatens between minimum $10,000 doing imposes penalties same they keeping diary boasting children's antics, harmed. American Sunbathing Association, nudist organization 30,000 members United Canada, notes prosecution, character activity denial intrinsic connection public shame. likewise forbidding nonexploitative films topless adolescents—for instance, poolside shots norm along Mediterranean seaboard, occur frequency side Atlantic well—or barring acting professional teenagers involve sexually explicit conduct. 39 blocks art lewd behavior specifically prepared, accordance exclusion, museums libraries. Many world's great artists—De as, Renoir, Donatello,2 name few—have worked many acclaimed included minors.3 models, actors, artists, photographers, filmmakers surely overborne risk exploitation, especially comprehensive targeted evils.4 Given demonstrably next fairly admits severed, leaving intact. answer restrictive reading partial beyond power. sit resting court's binding us, regardless absence read way pruned back passing judgment. 769, 24, 3361, 24; Erznoznik, 216, 2276. "[W]e rewrite conform requirements." Virginia Assn., 484 383, 397, 636, 645, 782 (certifying interpretive Suprem ruling attack). causing unambiguous, expressly forbids various described. although phrase "to easily excised, refused sever delete it, over protest three dissenters. (O'Connor, dissenting). accept authoritative pronouncements adjudging validity 41 test employ familiar. "conduct involved, 2917. also, 2571, Houston Hill, 451, 458, 2502, 2508, 398 3361. topple conceive few impermissible applications. Council Taxpayers Vincent, 466 789, 800, 104 2118, 2126, 80 772 (1984). number realistic applications contravention Amendment, overturn face. regard, bears emphasizing "the penalty imposed relevant determining demonstrable substantial." 773, 3363. Although involved obviate inquiry priori warrant ibid., appreciably shrink tolerable, particularly severe. 459, 2508 ("Criminal scrutinized care").5 42 gainsaying gravity meted violations Infractions carry $50,000, both. Respondent himself fewer dozen snapshots showed complainant. severity sanctions reduces degree Constitution permits. 43 readily adduce examples compass. Parents abusing elsewhere. Th arts flourish there. Four clubs affiliated Association alone established Commonwealth, 2, well give pause substantial. Unhappily, precedents provide limited guidance resolving issue, substantiality defined exactitude little overlap exists factual previous confronting several considerations led tug equal force strongly suggesting stand written photographed stepdaughter. 464-466, 2511-2512, sweeping nature offense oppose, abuse, interrupt policeman duties essential achieve ends, narrowly tailored attained abridging freedoms extent. Our drafted tightly sacrificing achievement impelled pronounce fatally Section suffers flaw. Its blanket employing adult's intentions minor's nets considerable can, moreover, truncated. plurality describes, 582-583, itself recently lessen threat requiring adult prohibition.6 29A(a) (Supp.1988). Alternatively, advice offered Department 1977. considering legislation combat House Representatives banning interstate dissemination, intent transported commerce, 'nudity depicted stimulation gratification individual depiction.' H.R.Rep. 95-696, (1977) (quoting H.R. 4571, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. (1977)). inclusion provision "it difficult standard 'sexual gratification' assessed." (statement Deputy Assistant Keeney). suggested "lewd genitals" heeded recommendation. modified reference simple nudity, aligning Ferber. availability correctives renders acceptable. 46 Together stern imposes, ease lowers hurdle clear proving By standards earlier decisions, proof made. abundance day full covering, mention work artists snapshots, say, said 466-467, 2512 (citation omitted), "[t]he ordinance's plain language admittedly violated scores times daily, individuals—those chosen police unguided discretion—are arrested." confident routinely conduct—and test, relative violations, likelihood prosecuted conclusion. nuisance show drive-in theater displaying bare buttocks, screen visible area. justification said: "[The statute] bar film containing baby's war victim, scenes culture indigenous. newsreel opening bathers beach. Clearly deemed obscene minors." 2274. saw inquire into appeared movies Jacksonville; shown, sometimes enough. occurs quite greater speculative occurrences sufficient establish where, attendant puny comparison. stingy fall. affirm Court. background enactment see Boston Globe, 1982, col. 1; July codified (Supp.1988), provides: "(a) Whoever, either lascivious intent, solicits, material, "(b) involving "(c) incapable consenting prosecuted. "(d) hereunder personal testimony person, therein expert person's appearance, inspection method authorized applicable evidence." contrary. similarly postconviction, "In Bigelow's 'effectively repeal' application, pre-1972 form appellant rest pass inquiry, moment others, infringed speech." characterized statement "Virginia's properly grounds 830, 2236 (REHNQUIST, dissenting), that. Whether reached two questions, addressed. simply decided ("ha[d] future"), whereas issues continuing importance, profitably expend latt r. grounds, unnecessary merits BRENNAN evidently believes conduct." Post, 597. unquestionably true. Most adults, expect, hire themselves whatever intention photographer artist, however unerotic pose. sensitive. unreasonable, therefore, parents' using (or use) adults' exploitation. SCALIA salvage safeguard prosecute curing adjudicated infirmity highest reviewing deterrent impaired avenue open States, oftentimes strongest earliest attacks are, surprisingly, brought defendants. Accordingly, SCALIA's rendered occurred—the five Members subscribed R. Thomson, Degas, Nudes 40-53, 119-125 (1988); K. Clark, Nude 48-49, 154-161 (1956). Numerous contemporary paintings invite produced almost certainly caused collected App. & Curiae. utility dubious assessed backdrop end. assault battery, 265, 13A (1986); indecent battery 13B; older, 13H; rape, 22; forcible rape 16, 22A; 23; drugging commit intercourse, 3; gross lewdness, 16; dissemination matter harmful 28; disseminate 29B; unnatural 35A. Virtually charges statutes. Petitioner. marginal slight, reducing interests conflict high; fact, odd scale values predictions deterrence appear, punishment 28, 35A, includes maximum excess 13B (20 versus 13B). questionable, difference unusual stiffness makes forestalling children, often punishable separate most kind, decide, own proscribed. Nor say exactly sharply conflicting, remanding consideration stepdaughter's photograph" "pornographic models," 588, inappropriate. record support assertion aware complainant's trial, ambiguous respect regarding here, "[h]e wanted big Playboy Magazine." 25a. event, constrain venture constitutionality

Classification Label: 2