Idaho § 52-103 - Moral nuisances - Definitions
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 52-103 — Moral nuisances - Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52-103. Moral nuisances - Definitions
As used in title 52 , Idaho Code, relating to moral nuisances.
(A) "Knowledge" or "knowledge of such nuisance" means having knowledge of the contents and character of the patently offensive sexual conduct which appears in the lewd matter, or knowledge of the acts of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution which occur on the premises.
(B) "Lewd matter" is synonymous with "obscene matter" and means any matter:
(1) which the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find, when considered as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; and
(2) which depicts or describes patently offensive representations or descriptions of:
(a) ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated; or
(b) masturbation, excretory functions, or lewd exhibition of the genitals or genital area.
Nothing herein contained is intended to include or proscribe any matter which, when considered as a whole, possesses serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
(C) "Lewdness" shall have and include all those meanings which are assigned to it under the common law.
(D) "Matter" means a motion picture film or a publication or both.
(E) "Moral Nuisance" means a nuisance which is injurious to public morals.
(F) "Motion picture film" shall include any:
(1) film or plate negative;
(2) film or plate positive;
(3) film designed to be projected on a screen for exhibition;
(4) films, glass slides or transparencies, either in negative or positive form, designed for exhibition by projection on a screen.
(5) video tape or any other medium used to electronically reproduce images on a screen.
(G) "Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other legal entity.
(H) "Place" includes, but is not limited to, any building, structure or places, or any separate part or portion thereof, whether permanent or not, or the ground itself.
(I) "Publication" shall include any book, magazine, article, pamphlet, writing, printing, illustration, picture, sound recording, or a motion picture film which is offered for sale or exhibited in a coin-operated machine.
(J) "Sale" means a passing of title or right of possession from a seller to a buyer for valuable consideration, and shall include, but is not limited to, any lease or rental arrangement or other transaction wherein or whereby any valuable consideration is received for the use of, or transfer or possession of, lewd matter.
[52-103, added 1976, ch. 82, sec. 2, p. 272.; am. 2026, ch. 262, sec. 2, p. 1113.]
Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 52-103
What does Idaho Statutes § 52-103 cover?
Section 52-103 ("Moral nuisances - Definitions") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Idaho § 52-103?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 52-103" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Idaho law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.
How does Idaho § 52-103 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.