Mental Responsibility and 900 Phone Abuse

Abstract

Telephone pornography is a relatively new service available for consumers' purchase over the “900” call system. This expensive sex talk, popularly known as “dial-a-porn,” has been the focus of numerous complaints, congressional investigation, and attempts at regulatory restraint. For some consumers the excessive use of “dial-a-porn” has resulted in severe financial debt and significant personal distress. This article will review the turbulent history of commercialized telephone pornography and discuss a recently prosecuted military case where the defendant's mental responsibility became an issue.