William O. Douglas #79 (1898-1960)

Board 024 - William O. Douglas

William O. Douglas #79 (1898-1960) Douglas autographs the back of one of his checks dated April 11, 1967. Douglas is captured in a photograph with others and with friends hiking as well as listening to arguments. There is also a picture of a lady in the nude. The lady here explains Douglas’ position on obscenity in Miller v California.

Douglas observed: “we simply cannot impose a public standard “If even we find obscenity hard to define, “it challenges due process and the concept of a fair trial.”

Justice Potter Stewart observed: “Obscenity is hard to define, but I know it when I see it.”

It's without question the court has wrestled with many issues where clear answers are just not forthcoming. This was a clear answer but still not directly addressed by the high court.

Board # 24.

OFFERED FOR: $2650.