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(An anti-blaspheming law overturned by the US Supreme Court)
http://www.bc.edu/bc...ch/burstyn.html
QUOTE
1. Expression by means of motion pictures is included within the free speech and free press guaranty of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Pp. 499-502.
(a) It cannot be doubted that motion pictures are a significant medium for the communication of ideas. Their importance as an organ of public opinion is not lessened by the fact that they are designed to entertain as well as to inform. P. 501.
(b) That the production, distribution and exhibition of motion pictures is a large-scale business conducted for private profit does not prevent motion pictures from being a form of expression whose liberty is safeguarded by the First Amendment. Pp. 501-502.
© Even if it be assumed that motion pictures possess a greater capacity for evil, particularly among the youth of a community, than other modes of expression, it does not follow that they are not entitled to the protection of the First Amendment or may be subjected to substantially unbridled censorship. P. 502.
(d) To the extent that language in the opinion in Mutual Film Corp. v. Industrial Comm'n, 236 U.S. 230, is out of harmony with the views here set forth, it is no longer adhered to. P. 502.
(a) It cannot be doubted that motion pictures are a significant medium for the communication of ideas. Their importance as an organ of public opinion is not lessened by the fact that they are designed to entertain as well as to inform. P. 501.
(b) That the production, distribution and exhibition of motion pictures is a large-scale business conducted for private profit does not prevent motion pictures from being a form of expression whose liberty is safeguarded by the First Amendment. Pp. 501-502.
© Even if it be assumed that motion pictures possess a greater capacity for evil, particularly among the youth of a community, than other modes of expression, it does not follow that they are not entitled to the protection of the First Amendment or may be subjected to substantially unbridled censorship. P. 502.
(d) To the extent that language in the opinion in Mutual Film Corp. v. Industrial Comm'n, 236 U.S. 230, is out of harmony with the views here set forth, it is no longer adhered to. P. 502.
Recently there has been a great deal of anti-Da Vinci code sentiment in the news based on the fact that the book presents the catholic church in a negative light, and that the book basically undermines the entire christian faith. Some groups have gone has far as to propose laws banning this, and other anti-christian (blaspheming) movies, books, etc. Now, I respect their right to protest and what not, but passing a law to ban something because you disagree with it is exactly what the first amendment is here to protect us against.
Relgion and politics are very interesting topics for debate. As such, let us begin a debate about the issues presented in the Da Vinci code, and all reprocussions involved. The movie comes out this Friday, too!
MultiQuote
But I am a Mormon (Christian church), and we go to church once a week. Seriously... I like going to church. So what if I have to 'sacrifice' a few hours of my life once a week?
