FCC v. Pacifica Foundation
Comedy history · 8 facts, each from at least two of 4 independent sources · last reviewed 2026-10-17
FCC v. Pacifica Foundation is a U.S. Supreme Court case over George Carlin's comedy routine Filthy Words.1,2 Justice Stevens wrote the opinion for the Court, which ruled on the matter in July 1978.3,4
Background
The FCC produced a word-for-word written record of Carlin's monologue for use in the case.1,2,4 In February 1975, an FCC order said Pacifica might have faced administrative sanctions.2,4
Before the Supreme Court
The justices heard oral argument on April 18, 1978.3,4 They announced their decision on July 3, 1978, less than three months later.3,4
Opinions
Justice Powell also wrote a concurrence, which Justice Blackmun joined.2,3
Sources
- Filthy Words by George Carlin (umkc.edu)
- Federal Communications Commission v. Pacifica Foundation (1978) | The First Amendment Encyclopedia (mtsu.edu)
- First Amendment Library - Case (firstamendmentcenter.org) · archived copy
- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, Petitioner, v. PACIFICA FOUNDATION. | Supreme Court | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)
Updated November 12, 2026.