| Abstract [eng] |
The 309 article of the Lithuanian Criminal code, “Possesion of pornographic content”, determines criminal liability for the possession, production, distribution, advertising and public exposure of pornographic material. Although this behavior is criminalized, the beforementioned article is rarely put into practice because of problems with the online space - natural and legal persons can easily avoid criminal liability. Given the fact, that nearly half of Internet users are looking for pornographic material and that this content can be found on Lithuanian websites, a question arises whether there is a need to prohibit aldult pornography, especially that the Lithuanian Criminal code classifies possesion of pornographic content as crimes agains morality but the concept of morality is understood depending on the society and the way it changes in different periods of time. The United States attribute pornography to the freedom of expression and it is protected by the First Amendment. The same way Lithuanian Constitution describes a feedom of expression, so the prohibition of adult pornography does not actually prohibit pornography - it prohibits moral independency and freedom of speech. Of course, along with the legalization of pornography, there is an obligation to ensure adequate protection of minors from harmful information. Lihuanian law does not have a proper definition of child pornography. The definition of pornographic information established in the Public Information Act has incomplete criteria. Therefore it needs to be changed, as said by the European Council. Also, the right to decide whether or not presented material is of pornographic content should be transferred to courts as they are the only ones who carry out justice. Legalising adult pornography, establishing a proper definition and strict penalties of child pornography should be developed by invoking criminal law and judicial practice of the United States and England where pornography as a legal concept has been widely examined. |
