Berne Convention (1906)

Berne Convention for the Suppression of the Circulation of and Traffic in Obscene Publications

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Context

The Berne Convention for the Suppression of the Circulation of and Traffic in Obscene Publications is an international treaty that was signed in Berne, Switzerland, on September 9, 1906. The convention aimed to combat the distribution and trade of obscene publications across international borders. It came into effect on September 9, 1910, after being ratified by the required number of states.

Background

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a rise in the production and distribution of obscene materials, facilitated by advances in printing technology and international trade. This prompted several countries to seek a cooperative approach to address the issue, leading to the drafting of the Berne Convention of 1906.

Provisions

The Berne Convention of 1906 established a framework for international cooperation in the suppression of obscene publications. Key provisions included:

• Definition of Obscene Publications: The convention provided a broad definition of what constituted obscene materials, allowing for some flexibility in interpretation by individual states.
• Obligations of States: Signatory states were required to enact domestic legislation to prohibit the production, distribution, and trade of obscene publications.
• International Cooperation: The convention encouraged states to collaborate in the investigation and prosecution of offenses related to obscene publications.
• Extradition: The treaty included provisions for the extradition of individuals involved in the international trade of obscene materials.

Impact and Legacy

The Berne Convention of 1906 was one of the first international efforts to address the issue of obscene publications. It laid the groundwork for future treaties and international cooperation in the regulation of content deemed harmful or inappropriate.

The convention's impact was limited by the varying interpretations of obscenity across different cultures and legal systems. However, it set a precedent for international collaboration in addressing moral and ethical issues related to media and publications.

Also see

• Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
• International Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Women and Children
• Obscenity law
• International law