From Ulysses to Last Exit Brooklyn, obscenity trials are a benchmark for the limits of cultural tolerance. As the first prosecution of the written word in more than 30 years takes place in the UK, Index on Censorship assesses the landscape. Are we becomming less permissive than our parents? Is the Obscene Publications Act fit for purpose in a digital age? Should governments control what we see online to protect our children? Leading commentators on the subject give their verdict. With Anthony Julius, Anne Higonnet, Julian Petley, John Ozimek, Seth Finkelstein, Murray Perkins, Marjorie Heins and Tony Bennett.
Anthony Julius and Julian Petley: a discussion on art, obscenity and the law
John Ozimek: the technology revolution is redefining the boundaries
Tony Bennett: comic books are not just for kids
Julian Petley on the prospects for free speech online
Marjorie Heins says the Internet is making the law unworkable
Anne Higonnet on why artists are heading for a collision course
Elena Martellozzo and Helen Taylor assess the impact of child pornography
Seth Finkelstein on the censoring of obscenity online BBFC film examiner Murray Perkins gives the lowdown
Also in this issue
INDEX IN IRAQ
Rohan Jayasekera on Iraq’s year of elections
DISPATCHES
Shahvalad Chobanoglu says independent press in Azerbaijan is struggling to survive
Sanjuana Martinez exposes a culture of censorship in Mexico
Sanjana Hattotuwa explains the chilling effect of legislation in Sri Lanka
THE ART OF OFFENCE
Martin Rowson says breaking taboos is the heart of satire
FICTION: CUBA
Ena Lucia Portela ‘The last passenger’
For subscription details and stockists, click here