Subject
Pornography -- Law and legislation Books
Best books
Unknown
Jurgen and the law : $b A statement, with exhibits, of the Court's opinion, and the brief for the defendants on motion to direct an acquittal
"Jurgen and the Law: A Statement, with Exhibits, of the Court's Opinion, and…" edited by Guy Holt is a legal document concerning the controversial book "Jurgen" by James Branch Cabell, published in the early 20th century. This book falls within the genres of literary analysis and legal commentary and was likely written during the 1920s, a time when discussions of obscenity in literature were prominent in American culture. The text explores the legal challenges that "Jurgen" faced, framing its examination of censorship and the boundaries of acceptable literature in the context of American law. The book details the events surrounding a legal case in which "Jurgen" was accused of obscenity, culminating in a trial where the defense argued for the book's literary merit. The proceedings reflect on the broader implications of censorship, art, and society's perception of morality and decency. The narrative follows the defense's argument that "Jurgen" should be regarded as literature rather than a lewd text, outlining the importance of context when evaluating works of art. Ultimately, the New York Court ruled in favor of the defendants, highlighting the ongoing struggle between artistic expression and societal standards, and emphasizing that literature serves as a critical commentary on life rather than mere provocations.
Annie Besant
Is the Bible Indictable? Being an Enquiry whether the Bible Comes within the Ruling of the Lord Chief Justice as to Obscene Literature
"Is the Bible Indictable?" by Annie Besant is an inquiry published in the late 19th century that examines whether the Bible can be classified as obscene literature based on legal rulings. This work falls into the category of a critical essay, blending legal analysis with moral philosophy to challenge the perception of the Bible's contents in relation to obscenity laws. The central topic posits that, under contemporary legal interpretations, the Bible may be indictable due to its inclusion of passages that can be deemed as coercive or immoral. In this provocative text, Besant engages with historical legal frameworks while dissecting various biblical passages she argues could corrupt the morals of readers, particularly the youth. By referencing past court rulings, she contends that numerous narratives within the Bible, often celebrated as sacred, contain coarse and morally questionable content that might warrant prosecution. Throughout the examination, she highlights the disparity in legal scrutiny between expensive, "respectable" works and inexpensive, widely circulated literature, questioning the socio-economic biases inherent in the law. Ultimately, her argument advocates for a reevaluation of both the legal standards concerning obscenity and the societal implications of censorship, particularly regarding the Bible itself.
Recently surfaced classics