California v. Freeman
Harold Freeman was a pornographic film producer who was arrested for pandering as part of an attempt by the State of California to shut down the pornographic film industry. He was convicted, and lost on appeal. However, when his case was subsequently taken to the California Supreme Court, it ruled that his prosecution was inadmissible on First Amendment grounds. An attempt by the State of California to get this judgment overturned in the United States Supreme Court failed.
As a result of this precedent, the making of hardcore pornography was effectively legalized in California.
Reference
- People v. Freeman, 250 Cal.Rptr. 589 (Cal. 1988).
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