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Maine legal term

Obscene motion picture in Maine Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Maine legislative session

In Maine criminal law, “Obscene motion picture” 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 motion picture” mean in Maine criminal law?

"Obscene motion picture" means a motion picture 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 prurient interests; (2) Depicts or describes in a patently offensive manner, ultimate sexual acts, excretory functions, masturbation or lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (3) When considered as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. 2. (17 M.R.S. § 2913)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.