Guest realsandman420 Report post Posted November 6, 2002 The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, in a unanimous decision by the board, will endeavor to take the case of Jesus Castillo to the Supreme Court. For those just joining us, Castillo is a store manager in a comic book store in Texas. He was convicted of obscenity charges for selling an adult comic book to--get this--an adult. During the trial, the CBLDF brought in expert witnesses who testified that the material in question (a manga clearly labeled as "Adults only" and kept in a separate adults-only section of the store) had artistic merit and did not satisfy the Miller test of obscenity. The DA offered no rebuttal witnesses. Instead she argued to the jury that comics are really intended for kids, and on that basis posed a threat to the youth of Texas (despite community standards tolerating a variety of adults-only stores operating mere blocks away from the comic store, with material far more explicit than the manga in question.) Incredibly, the jury bought the argument and convicted Castillo. A split decision from a higher court refused to overturn the conviction. This decision, if allowed to stand, could have a chilling effect on any comic featuring any content not explicitly kiddie safe. The CBLDF's only option at this point is to attempt to get a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court. We intend to do so. The expense will be considerable and the odds may be long. For further information to learn how you can contribute to the fight against the erosion of your right to buy whatever comics you wish to buy, check out the CBLDF website at http://www.cbldf.org. An official press release will be forthcoming. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest BA_Baracus Report post Posted November 6, 2002 Nooooo! They're going after the precious, precious porno comix! Nutty Texans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest CED Ordonez Report post Posted November 6, 2002 Crap. Somebody won with the "Please Think of The Children!" argument and it wasn't even VALID in this case. His penalty includes a six month suspended sentence, a $4,000 fine, and a year of probation. For selling an adults-only to an adult. Lame. I bet the DA drew a line between Japanese manga and Digimon and the jury bought it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest cynicalprofit Report post Posted November 6, 2002 Marvel and their new "adult" line of thinking should be supporting this guy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
