NCJ Number
100004
Date Published
1984
Length
214 pages
Annotation
This working paper of the Special Committee of the Canadian Department of Justice appointed to review Canada's criminal code with respect to pornography and prostitution surveys U.S. legislation, enforcement practices, and public debates regarding pornography and prostitution.
Abstract
This 1984 study focused on relevant Federal laws and those of 'key' States: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Prosecution and enforcement policies in these States and some of their cities were examined. The National Association of District Attorneys and the International Association of Chiefs of Police were contacted to obtain policy papers or guidelines pertinent to pornography and prostitution. With regard to pornography, the paper reviews the development of statutes and jurisprudence on obscenity, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court's 'Miller' test for obscenity. Federal, State, and local obscenity statutes are then examined, along with enforcement practices and problems. Public debates on pornography are also considered. The analysis of prostitution also summarizes relevant Federal, State, and local statutes as well as enforcement practices and public debates. Findings on both pornography and prostitution are summarized. The appendixes contain the various 'key' State obscenity and prostitution laws and relevant excerpts from the Federal Code. Chapter footnotes and 29 references.