Pornography Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Pornography, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Pornography?

It is referred to sexual activity represented in books, magazines, internet, CDs, films, either written,pictorial or any other form, which has no artistic or acedemic value. The main purpose of pornography is arousing sexual interest by the scenes of sexual behaviour inacted by humans, animals etc.

History and Meaning of Pornography

Pornography has been defined as explicit sexual material that is created and intended to cause sexual arousal. The term "pornography" comes from the Greek word "pornographos," meaning "writing about harlots," and was used to describe written descriptions of prostitutes in ancient Greece. The modern-day use of the term is more expansive, and it now encompasses a vast range of media, including photographs, videos, and websites.

The history of pornography is long and complex. From ancient Greek and Roman art depicting sexual acts to the modern-day sexually explicit films, pornography has always been a part of human culture. In the early 19th century, pornographic literature became widely available in England and America, leading to increasing censorship and regulation. Today, many governments around the world have laws regulating or banning the production, distribution, or possession of pornography.

Examples of Pornography

  1. The adult film industry produces millions of dollars in revenue each year from the production and distribution of pornographic films.
  2. Online pornography is easily accessible through various websites, making it one of the most common forms of pornography.
  3. Magazines and books that contain graphic sexual images and stories are often considered pornography.
  4. The use of sexual imagery in advertising and marketing has been criticized as a form of pornography.
  5. The legal definition of pornography varies from one jurisdiction to another, making it challenging to determine what material is pornography and what is not.

Legal Terms Similar to Pornography

  1. Obscenity - Material that is considered to be offensive, indecent, or obscene
  2. Indecent Exposure - Exposure of the genitals or other private parts in public
  3. Child Pornography - Pornography that involves minors in any form
  4. Revenge Porn - The non-consensual distribution of sexually explicit images or videos of an individual
  5. Erotica - Literary or artistic material that is sexually explicit but has artistic or literary merit.