Skip to main content

- What We Do
- What we defend
- Have your rights been violated?
  If you face retaliation over protected speech, reach out to FIRE to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
  Submit a Case
- Make a difference
- Take Action
  Across the nation, free speech rights are under attack. Join us in defending this essential quality of liberty. Make your voice heard and join a campaign.
  Protect Free Speech
- FIRE Student Network
  FIRE’s 2022 College Free Speech Rankings are based on the voices of more than 44,000 currently enrolled students at 208 colleges and are designed to help parents and prospective students choose the right school.
  Build Your Network
- Resources
- College Free Speech Rankings
  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2025 College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
  Explore Rankings
- National Speech Index
  The National Speech Index is a new quarterly component of America’s Political Pulse, an ongoing weekly survey that will allow researchers to track shifting free speech sentiment in America over time.
  Learn More
Colleges
News
Cases
About Us
Submit a Case

SMITH v. UNITED STATES

Supreme Court Cases

431 U.S. 291 (1977)

Search all Supreme Court Cases

Case Overview

Legal Principle at Issue

Whether "community standards" of the state of Iowa can be defined by state legislatures so as to be applicable in federal obscenity law.

Action

Affirmed (includes modified). Petitioning party did not receive a favorable disposition.

Advocated for Respondent

Howard E. Shapiro View all cases

Advocated for Petitioner

Tefft W. Smith View all cases

Cite this page

Share

Share this selection via email