​This Briefing Paper deals with the main substantive issues of the contemporary censorship debate, in particular, violence and pornography. These are of course inherently controversial matters, with the contrasting viewpoints on censorship often reflecting deeper philosophical and ideological perspectives.

The main body of the Paper is prefaced by an overview of the key philosophical perspectives relating to censorship law. The Paper then looks at the contentious issue of the effects first of pornography, then of media depictions of violence, followed by computer games. It ends with a comment on matters relevant to the Internet and other issues. 

In addition, Appendix A updates the law and administration of censorship in Australia, taking into account the reforms introduced by the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995. Appendix B sets out the conclusions and findings of the Standing Committee of the NSW Legislative Council on media violence from its 1995 Report Into Youth Violence in New South Wales.