Shaw v. Director Of Public Prosecutions House Of Lords A.C.

220 (1962)

Facts

Shaw (D) took advantage of a new law that stopped streetwalkers from soliciting their fares on the streets. D published a book called the Ladies Directory that contained the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of prostitutes with nude photographs and biographies of what they were willing to perform. D was charged with a conspiracy to corrupt public morals, earning a living on the wages of prostitution, and publishing an obscene book. D was convicted and appealed. The first count was not charged pursuant to any statute but charged under the common law. That charge indicated that D was attempting to induce readers to resort to advertisers in the publication for fornication and taking part in or witnessing disgusting, immoral acts and exhibitions with intent to debauch and corrupt the morals as well as youth as diverse other liege subjects of Our Lady the Queen to raise and create in the minds inordinate and lustful desires.