Mailing Obscene Material / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1461 is a criminal offense that occurs when someone knowingly sends obscene material through the mail. The material must have the potential to corrupt or deprave the recipient in order to be considered obscene. This law is enforced by the United States Postal Service and the Department of Justice. The types of Mailing Obscene Material / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1461 that can be prosecuted include sending or receiving obscene pictures, videos, books, magazines, and other publications. It is also illegal to mail obscene advertising, or any material that contains obscene language. The penalties for Mailing Obscene Material / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1461 depend on the circumstances of the offense and can range from fines to imprisonment. In some cases, the offender may be required to register as a sex offender.