Contemporary community standards refer to the guidelines used by people in a specific location and era to determine the level of offensiveness or sexual content in something. These standards are crucial in determining whether something is considered obscene. As these standards can vary from place to place, it is the responsibility of the local community to establish what is acceptable and what is not. In some cases, a jury is tasked with considering the views of the local population when evaluating material.
The determination of whether material is obscene or not is based on contemporary community standards, which take into account its patent offensiveness and prurience in a specific locale at a given time. When explicit sexual content is present in a book or movie, a court may use these standards to make a decision. The court will evaluate whether the material is offensive and prurient based on the norms of the community where it was distributed. For example, a movie with explicit sexual content may be deemed obscene in a conservative community, but not in a more liberal one. The use of contemporary community standards ensures that material considered obscene in one community is not necessarily considered obscene in another, allowing for a more nuanced approach to determining obscenity and safeguarding freedom of speech and expression.
Contemporary community standards refer to the prevailing moral and ethical values of a particular community or society at a given time.
Contemporary community standards are determined by looking at the attitudes and beliefs of the community as a whole, as well as the prevailing laws and regulations.
Contemporary community standards are often used as a benchmark for determining whether certain behavior or actions are acceptable or not, particularly in cases involving obscenity, indecency, or other forms of offensive conduct.
Courts typically rely on expert testimony, surveys, and other forms of evidence to determine contemporary community standards in a particular case.
No, contemporary community standards can vary widely across different communities and cultures, and what is considered acceptable in one community may not be acceptable in another.
Yes, contemporary community standards can change over time as societal attitudes and beliefs evolve.
Contemporary community standards are often used to determine whether certain forms of speech or expression are protected by the First Amendment, particularly in cases involving obscenity or indecency.
Yes, in certain circumstances, contemporary community standards can be used to restrict free speech, particularly if the speech is deemed to be harmful or offensive to the community as a whole.
No, contemporary community standards are not necessarily the same as traditional values, as they reflect the current attitudes and beliefs of a particular community or society.
Individuals can stay informed about contemporary community standards by staying up-to-date on current events, engaging in discussions with others in their community, and following relevant legal cases and decisions.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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