In obscenity law, the concept of prurient interest denotes an excessive, lustful, or gratuitous interest in sex. It is a subjective and challenging standard to define, varying widely across perspectives. Critics argue that it is vague and has been used to censor materials not commonly seen as obscene.
First Amendment Project
Roth v. United States (1957)
In 1957, Roth v. United States redefined the test for obscenity unprotected by the First Amendment. The Supreme Court upheld Roth's conviction and stated that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment. The decision remains controversial, shaping the definition and prosecution of obscenity in the U.S. and leading to refinement in Miller v. California (1973).
Greg C. Miller, Author 