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Morality and Decency Conference Speakers
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Newsletter Updates
January 12, 2008
The United States Supreme Court has mandated since l973 that every community define the adult community standard against obscenity. Because of this legal directive, every citizen should participate in the meaning of obscenity, therein addressing various arenas in their community. Since pornography is destroying the family and is behind every sex crime, the definition of obscenity should not be limited necessarily to the police or prosecutors, but again, developed by registered voters who will consider the safety, health, and morality of their community, thereby creating public policy. Eventually, the community standard for obscenity is further determined by the jury on any given civil or criminal court case involving obscenity. When a community is committed to morality and decency standards, family foundations are strengthened by the framer's intent from the United States Constitution. |
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Other words, among citizens concerned about obscenity in their local communities, one question repeatedly arises: How, as citizens in our area, do we set our community standards? The phrase “community standards” comes from the Supreme Court’s decision in Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973). In setting forth the test for obscenity, the Court stated that the issues of whether the material has patently offensive representations of sexual conduct and whether the material appeals to the prurient interest should be judged by the community standards. This phrase was an attempt to counter the suggestion that obscenity should be judged by “national standards.” The Court noted that “it is not realistic nor constitutionally sound to read the First Amendment as requiring that the people of Maine or Mississippi accept public depiction of conduct found tolerable in Las Vegas or New York City.” Through this statement the Court realized that it would be unworkable to try to determine acceptability on a basis as broad as the entire nation. The concept of the “community” merely provided a more workable vehicle for such a determination. You do realize we are addressing the flood of pornography in every community destroying our families? Community standards cannot be discussed in a vacuum with serious economic realities and warring issues looming. Strong families standing side by side is our answer to most of our current tough news. Tough families built this prosperous, moral country. So the legal concept of community standards isn't relevant only during an obscenity prosecution, but when strong families organize their community for morality and decency -- desiring the return of family values. As a legal concept, a community may be the state, the county or the city - the registered voters. The “community” for purposes of an obscenity prosecution may be defined by statute or by case law. If community standard is not specifically defined before court action, the court may instruct the jury that they should consider the standards of the geographic area from which the jury pool is drawn -- talking about your ground work which is needed for the definition. Much more to come as your group is formed. Karen Kristopher with CfD reporting. |
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Opinions expressed in 'Perspectives' columns published by CentersForDecency.org are the sole responsibility of the article's author(s), or of the person(s) or organization(s) quoted therein, and do not necessarily represent those of the staff or management of, or advertisers who support the CfD. If you wish to contact CfD - call 713-266-2715 or write: 1415 South Voss Road, #110-393, Houston, Texas 77057. We also appreciate your Comments@CentersForDecency.Org. |
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Thank you for your response, as Centers for Decency charter groups are being formed around the country, we continuously need your help to organize your area for morality and decency in strong family values. Immorality and indecency are the foundational problems growing most of the chaos we're watching, when stronger families can prevail by taking action. Not to take action against the apex of evilness, the pornography - is to give-in. Email us your group's email list, including the organizer's name with information for starters, along with funding of $50 to open your CfD charter group for creating your voice.