Penguin Books Found Not Guilty in Obscenity Trial
November 2nd, 1960
November 2nd, 1960

How Long Ago?
64 years, 4 months, 13 days ago
Location
London, United Kingdom
Category
Crime & Law
People
- A.L. Rowse
- Sir Herbert Read
- D.H. Lawrence
Links & References
Tags
Penguin Books Found Not Guilty in Obscenity Trial
The trial of Penguin Books Ltd revolved around the publication of D.H. Lawrence's 'Lady Chatterley's Lover.' It was one of the most famous obscenity trials in British legal history, highlighting the tension between literary freedom and censorship. The prosecution argued that the book was obscene, while the defense emphasized its literary merit. On November 2, 1960, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty, a pivotal moment for publishing rights in the UK.
Novel published by Penguin in 1960 faced legal trial.
Prosecution argued obscenity; defense cited literary value.
Jury verdict set precedent for publishing rights.
Shifted UK legal landscape on obscenity and literature.
What Happened?
The trial of Penguin Books Ltd was a landmark case in the realm of publishing and literary expression. Sparked by the release of D.H. Lawrence's controversial novel, 'Lady Chatterley's Lover,' the case examined the boundaries of obscenity and the rights of publishers in the United Kingdom. The book, which had been out of print for decades due to its explicit content, was brought back into public discussion by Penguin's decision to publish an unexpurgated edition in 1960. This bold move led to a police raid and the subsequent trial for obscenity.
Throughout the trial, which captivated the nation, the prosecution sought to convince the jury that the book was indecent and lacked any literary value. Conversely, the defense argued for the novel’s significance as a work of literature and as a reflection of its time, emphasizing the artistic representation of human relationships. The trial featured notable figures, including the art critic Sir Herbert Read and publishers who defended the novel’s merits.
After deliberation, the jury returned a not guilty verdict on November 2, 1960. This decision was monumental, not only for Penguin Books but also for the freedom of expression in Britain. The case shifted public dialogue surrounding censorship and art, deeply influencing the laws pertaining to literary works and obscenity in the UK.
Why Does it Matter?
The verdict in the Penguin Books trial had significant implications for both publishing and freedom of expression in the UK. It marked a pivotal change in the legal landscape surrounding obscenity laws, leading to broader acceptance of literary works that had previously been banned or censored. The case is frequently referenced in discussions about censorship, literary freedom, and the role of government in regulating art and literature.
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