Introduction to Business Law - Acts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Introduction to Business Law - Acts - Essay Example The Comstock Act of 1890, named after its chief proponent Anthony Comstock, was enacted to safeguard the society's moral fiber, aimed at safeguarding American society against the destructive effects of "obscene, lewd, and lascivious" books. Upon its enactment, it made it illegal to "selloffer to sell, or to lend, or to give away, or in any manner to exhibit, or shall otherwise publish or offer to publish in any manner an obscene book, pamphlet, paper, writing, or other representation of article of an immoral nature" (Comstock Law 1873). Despite its good intentions, which was meant to target pornography and birth control, which was considered immoral at the time, the act unknowingly, due to the lack of sophisticated understanding regarding artistic forms of expression, became a notorious censorship tool, prohibiting works of art and literature as well. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890, on the other hand, named after Senator John Sherman, was enacted to safeguard the country's economy against the monopolistic interests of large business owners and corporations, who controlled most of the economic means during the time.