Regulation of Film

Question 1

1915 Supreme Court Case

Answer 1

-ruled that film is a for profit business and not meant to be an outlet of expression
-because of this, it is not protected by the 1st Amendment so government free to regulate

Question 2

What was the response to people’s demand to regulate inappropriate scenes in film?

Answer 2

Created the Hay’s Office and Code to give films seal of approval of appropriateness
-at the time, strict regulations
Ex: no implied sex, no cleavage, np excessive lustful kissing

Question 3

What was the Miracle Case?

Answer 3

The Supreme Court overturned the 1915 decision
-ruled that film is protected by the 1st Amendement

Question 4

What was an outcome of the Miracle Case?

Answer 4

Creation of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which created a new rating system
-led to the current rating system of G, PG, R, etc
-allowed for release of more adult material because younger people couldn’t get in to see the movie