Originally Posted by transpac
This code describes "Prohibition of importation".
As a U.S. citizen leaving the country, and then returning, what articles am I importing? Everything in my possession including the items I took with me when I left the U.S.?
And an even more basic question...How are obscene and immoral defined relative to this code? (I looked for definitions unsucessfully.)
I violated this code recently. I had a lottery ticket in my possession.
This is very informative thread, thanks to all the contributors.
It's not really defined anywhere what exactly an "importation" is. There are two complicating factors. The first is that anything you have is presumed to be acquired abroad, absent evidence to the contrary. Thus, a well-worn camera may be accepted as something you took out with you, but a new-looking one may not be. Secondly, I believe an argument could be made that you exported and then re-imported these articles. There is a provision for waiver of duties (which are essentially import taxes) for items which were exported and then re-imported, but nothing allows the re-importation of contraband.
As for your second question, that's the kicker, ain't it? As I've said, "obscene" has been defined operationally as bestiality and child porn.