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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Comstock law
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A quick definition of Comstock law:
The Comstock Law was a law made in 1873 that made it illegal to send through the mail any books or pictures that were considered obscene, lewd, or lascivious. It also made it illegal to send any items that were meant to prevent pregnancy or cause abortions. This law was created because some people were very strict and did not want anything that they considered inappropriate to be sent through the mail. Because of this law, the word "comstockery" was created to describe people who are overly strict and prudish.
A more thorough explanation:
The Comstock Law was a law passed by the federal government in 1873. It made it illegal to send through the mail any books or pictures that were considered "obscene, lewd, or lascivious." It also made it illegal to send any items that were designed to prevent pregnancy or cause an abortion.
For example, if someone tried to send a book with explicit sexual content through the mail, they could be arrested and charged with breaking the Comstock Law. Similarly, if someone tried to send birth control pills or abortion pills through the mail, they could also be arrested and charged.
The Comstock Law was a reflection of the conservative values of the time, which placed a high value on modesty and sexual restraint. However, it was also criticized for being overly restrictive and limiting freedom of expression.
The legacy of the Comstock Law lives on in the word "comstockery," which is used to describe prudishness or excessive censorship.