Chapter 3: Student Affairs

03:02:06   Obscene Materials

---

The distribution and display of obscene materials is prohibited by Tennessee law (see T.C.A. § 39-17-902). Obscene materials are defined under Tennessee law (see T.C.S. § 39-17-901(10)) as those materials which: 

1. The average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;
2. The average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct; and
3. The work, taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. 2252) prohibits sexual exploitation of a minor, including knowingly possessing materials implying minors engaging in sexual activity. The violation of this section is a Class E felony.

Back to Top

Divisional Review Responsibilities Checklist: Information Technology