Maine legal term
Obscene matter in Maine Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Maine legislative session
In Maine criminal law, “Obscene matter” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Maine criminal code.
What does “Obscene matter” mean in Maine criminal law?
"Obscene matter" means matter which: (1) To the average individual, applying contemporary community standards, with respect to what is suitable material for minors, considered as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; (2) Depicts or describes, in a patently offensive manner, ultimate sexual acts, excretory functions, masturbation or lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (3) Considered as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. 2. (17 M.R.S. § 2911)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.