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Interstate Circuit v. Dallas

United States Supreme Court

390 U.S. 676 (1968)

Facts

A Dallas ordinance established a nine-member board to determine whether films intended to be theatrically exhibited in the city were suitable for audiences under the age of 16. The determination was based on the presence of violent or sexual content that might encourage crime or promiscuity among younger people. However, the ordinance lacked specific definitions of these terms. Films that were deemed unsuitable for younger people required special licensing for exhibition. Interstate Circuit (plaintiff), an exhibitor and distributor, was subject to criminal fines for the unlicensed showing of a film, Viva Maria, that had been deemed improper by the board. Interstate Circuit brought suit against the city of Dallas (defendant). The trial court and the appellate court both found in favor of Dallas and upheld the ordinance. Interstate Circuit appealed. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Marshall, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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