Obscenity is not protected under First Amendment rights to free speech, and violations of federal obscenity laws are criminal offenses.

Why is obscenity not protected under the First Amendment?

The Supreme Court says plainly that obscene material doesn't get First Amendment protection. ... The Court doesn't really say what makes something obscene. LINDA: Pornography degrades women, encourages violence against women, exploits the weakest members of society and puts children in danger.

What is obscenity in the First Amendment?

Obscenity is a category of speech unprotected by the First Amendment. Obscenity laws are concerned with prohibiting lewd, filthy, or disgusting words or pictures. ... All fifty states have individual laws controlling obscene material. A comprehensive, legal definition of obscenity has been difficult to establish.