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
- 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
- FIRE Legal Network
  The FIRE Legal Network is a nationwide group of attorneys to whom we refer cases when counsel is necessary and the matter at issue falls outside the scope of FIRE’s mission or ability to assist.
  Join the Network
- Resources
- College Free Speech Rankings
  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2024 College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
  Explore Rankings
- Learn with FIRE
  Learn with FIRE provides learners with the opportunity to take courses on a wide range of topics, including free speech and due process, designed by our expert staff. Check out our library of resources to get started on your First Amendment journey!
  Get Started
Colleges
News
Cases
About Us
Submit a Case

MASSACHUSETTS v. OAKES

Supreme Court Cases

491 U.S. 576 (1989)

Search all Supreme Court Cases

Case Overview

Legal Principle at Issue

Whether a Massachusetts child pornography statute prohibiting adults from posing or exhibiting minors "in a state of nudity" was overbroad and violated the First Amendment.

Action

Vacated and remanded. Petitioning party received a favorable disposition.

Advocated for Respondent

Richard J. Vita View all cases

Advocated for Petitioner

James M. Shannon View all cases

Cite this page

Share

Share this selection via email