This pamphlet, one of a series published by the Public Affairs Committee, presents an overview of some of the legal and social issues raised about pornography and obscenity. (The author regards these two terms as synonymous.) The pamphlet first presents a brief history of the censorship of books in England, the American colonies, and the United States. He then focuses on the various twentieth century Supreme Court decisions concerning pornography. He finds that as of early 1972 there was no single definition of what may be suppressed as obscene; because of this confusion police and prosecutors are often reluctant to bring obscenity cases to court. Legally, the manner of distribution of pornography may be just as important as the content. Children, in particular, the pamphlet argues, are to be protected from the obscene. An individual should have the right not to be confronted with obscenity, but he should have the right to read and view whatever he pleases in the privacy of his own home. It may still be a crime under some circumstances, however, to produce, transmit, or sell pornographic materials, even if only to the adult who wants to read or view them in the privacy of his own home. (DI)