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Jurgen and the law : $b A statement, with exhibits, of the Court's opinion, and the brief for the defendants on motion to direct an acquittal

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About this book

"Jurgen and the Law: A Statement, with Exhibits, of the Court's Opinion, and…" edited by Guy Holt is a legal document concerning the controversial book "Jurgen" by James Branch Cabell, published in the early 20th century. This book falls within the genres of literary analysis and legal commentary and was likely written during the 1920s, a time when discussions of obscenity in literature were prominent in American culture. The text explores the legal challenges that "Jurgen" faced, framing its examination of censorship and the boundaries of acceptable literature in the context of American law. The book details the events surrounding a legal case in which "Jurgen" was accused of obscenity, culminating in a trial where the defense argued for the book's literary merit. The proceedings reflect on the broader implications of censorship, art, and society's perception of morality and decency. The narrative follows the defense's argument that "Jurgen" should be regarded as literature rather than a lewd text, outlining the importance of context when evaluating works of art. Ultimately, the New York Court ruled in favor of the defendants, highlighting the ongoing struggle between artistic expression and societal standards, and emphasizing that literature serves as a critical commentary on life rather than mere provocations.
Language
English
Publisher
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Unknown
Downloads
162

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A clearer way to understand Jurgen and the law : $b A statement, with exhibits, of the Court's opinion, and the brief for the defendants on motion to direct an acquittal through themes, characters, and key ideas

This reading guide highlights what stands out in Jurgen and the law : $b A statement, with exhibits, of the Court's opinion, and the brief for the defendants on motion to direct an acquittal through 4 core themes, 4 character profiles. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.

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About this book

A quick AI guide to “Jurgen and the law : $b A statement, with exhibits, of the Court's opinion, and the brief for the defendants on motion to direct an acquittal

Get the shape of the book before you commit: what it is about, what mood it carries, and what ideas readers tend to stay with afterward.

~10h readadvancedLegalAnalyticalHistorical

What the book is doing

This document, "Jurgen and the law," is a pivotal legal record stemming from the 1922 obscenity trial of James Branch Cabell's satirical fantasy novel, *Jurgen*. It compiles the Court's opinion and the brief submitted by the defense, meticulously detailing the legal arguments that ultimately led to the acquittal of the book's publisher from charges of obscenity. The text serves as a primary source illustrating the judicial process of interpreting literary works under the prevailing obscenity laws of the early 20th century, offering a window into the era's evolving standards of literary freedom and censorship.

Key Themes

Censorship and Freedom of Expression

This is the overarching theme, as the document directly concerns a legal attempt to suppress a literary work. It explores the tension between societal norms and the right of artists to express themselves without undue restriction. The arguments presented by the defense and the court's decision represent a significant victory for freedom of expression in literature.

The Definition of Obscenity

The document meticulously dissects the legal and societal understanding of 'obscenity' in the early 20th century. It highlights the challenges of defining what constitutes 'prurient interest' and how to apply such definitions to complex literary texts. The case helped refine legal standards for obscenity, moving away from isolated passages towards a consideration of the work as a whole and the author's intent.

A line worth noting
"The book, if it is to be judged by the standards of law, must be judged as a whole, and not by isolated passages." (Paraphrased from common legal principle applied in such cases)
A good discussion starter

How did the defense's strategy of emphasizing allegory and symbolism influence the court's decision regarding *Jurgen*?

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