Obscenity laws are regulations that define and restrict materials considered offensive or inappropriate for public consumption. These laws vary by country and often focus on content that depicts sexual acts, violence, or other explicit themes. The goal is to protect societal morals and prevent exposure to harmful material, especially for minors. In the United States, the legal standard for obscenity was established in the Miller Test, which assesses whether material lacks serious artistic, literary, or scientific value. Courts evaluate whether the content appeals to prurient interests and whether it violates community standards, leading to varying interpretations across different regions.