South Dakota legal term
Obscene material in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Obscene material” 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 South Dakota criminal code.
What does “Obscene material” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(12) "Obscene material," material: (a) The dominant theme of which, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; (b) That is patently offensive because it affronts contemporary community standards relating to the description or representation of sado-masochistic abuse or sexual conduct; and (c) That lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. (SDCL § 22-24-27)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.