Obscene
/əbˈsiːn/
Definitions
- (adj.) Relating to material that strongly offends prevalent standards of decency, often concerning sexual content, and lacking serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
The court ruled that the book was obscene and not protected by the First Amendment.
- (adj.) Offensively indecent or morally repugnant in a non-sexual legal context, such as obscene profits or obscene conduct.
The defendant was convicted for gaining obscene profits through illegal activities.
Related terms
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Commentary
In legal contexts, obscenity is specifically defined by tests such as the Miller test; not all offensive or indecent material qualifies as obscene under the law.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.