The 1960s were a period of transition in court decisions pertaining to obscenity, free speech and artistic expression. In February of 1968, Kurt testified as an expert witness at the obscenity trial of Steve Richmond, a poet and former student at UCLA. Richmond's one-page publication the Earth Rose included a provocative cover with the words "FUCK HATE" and a reverse side that featured poems by Charles Bukowski, a fellow-poet and friend. He was charged with a violation of Penal Code Section 311.2, distributing obscene material, a misdemeanor. Kurt prepared a written statement for submission to the court in advance of his testimony in support of the defendant, Richmond. Court testimony included a protracted discussion of the use of the word "FUCK".
