Which criteria were established in Miller v. California (1973) for determining obscenity?

The criteria established in Miller v. California, which focused on defining obscenity, clarified the legal standards that must be applied. The decision articulated that for material to be considered obscene, it must meet three specific criteria. One key aspect is that it must violate community standards relating to what is deemed acceptable. This means that the material in question not only has to lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value, but also that it must be judged against the prevailing societal norms of a particular community.

This ruling was significant as it acknowledged the variation in standards across different locales, recognizing that what may be considered obscene in one community might not be viewed the same way in another. This emphasis on community standards is essential in understanding how the law balances freedom of expression against protecting societal morals and values. In essence, the ruling established a more localized approach to obscenity, shaping how such cases are processed in the legal system.