5 August 2019
The 1960 obscenity trial that lead to the acquittal of Penguin Books for publishing DH Lawrence's novel Lady Chatterley's Lover is a seminal case in British literary and social history.
The verdict was an important victory for freedom of expression, and saw publishing in Britain become considerably more liberal.
It is credited as being a crucial step in liberalising the country's cultural landscape, encouraging frank public discussion of sexual behaviour that meant sex was no longer a taboo in art and entertainment. It also shifted views on major human rights issues including the legalisation of homosexuality and abortion, the abolition of the death penalty and divorce reform.
