Supreme Court Strikes Down Violent Game Law

Sexy Beast

Sexy Beast

Poster Extraordinaire
Joined
Apr 23, 2008
Messages
2,641
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the video games industry this morning in a case that called for the ban of violent games to children in the state of California.

In a 7-2 decision, the court stuck down the proposed law, saying video games fall under First Amendment protection.

"Like protected books, plays, and movies, [video games] communicate ideas through familiar literary devices and features distinctive to the medium. And 'the basic principles of freedom of speech . . . do not vary' with a new and different communication medium," said the court.

"This country has no tradition of specially restricting chil- dren's access to depictions of violence. And California's claim that 'interactive' video games present special problems, in that the player participates in the violent action on screen and determines its out- come, is unpersuasive."

A PDF version of the court's full decision can be found here.

"We are thrilled by today's news," said Jennifer Mercurio, VP & General Counsel of the Entertainment Consumers Association.

"We had hoped that we would see this decision, and it's been a long time coming. That being said, there will probably be one or two legislators who attempt to test these new parameters, and the ECA will continue to fight for the rights of entertainment consumers."
Click to expand...

TL:DR Version: Video Games have First Amendment protection.


Source: http://pc.ign.com/articles/117/1179191p1.html
 
People need to back off this "video game violence" problem.

I've played violent games all my life (starting with Mortal Combat, through the GTA series, and so on) and I've grown up perfectly fine. *eye twitch*

In fact, I'm a complete pacifist irl, and I can thank video games for showing me what I don't want to do.
 
Vexx said:
People need to back off this "video game violence" problem.

I've played violent games all my life (starting with Mortal Combat, through the GTA series, and so on) and I've grown up perfectly fine. *eye twitch*

In fact, I'm a complete pacifist irl, and I can thank video games for showing me what I don't want to do.
Click to expand...

+1. I keep my ways of thinking separate from my games.
 
One kids post summed it up perfectly...


" I already have 2 parents, I don't need 3"
 
iEye Captain said:
What about the kids who, effectively, have 0 parents?
Click to expand...

Meaning what? Most kids have some kind of guardian or supervisory person. What kid has 0 type of parent or guardian and has the money and means to get video games? besides most stores still card young gamers who try to buy mature games without a parent present.

also if you are referring to a deadbeat dad or mom who sues after the fact they will probably have their parenting called into question and will be screwed on that.

There are some forms of government supervision I do support. Such as CCTV in ubran areas like they have in London but it shouldnt restrict forms of media and try to control them and control our forms of entertainment. Thats up for the parents.
 
look, what they don't realize is, video games do not turn you into a violent person. violent people just happen to play violent video games

but of course not everybody that plays violent video games is gonna go shoot up their school. this is ridiculous
 
w00t Steam!

Xbwxq.jpg
 
Vexx said:
People need to back off this "video game violence" problem.

I've played violent games all my life (starting with Mortal Combat, through the GTA series, and so on) and I've grown up perfectly fine. *eye twitch*

In fact, I'm a complete pacifist irl, and I can thank video games for showing me what I don't want to do.
Click to expand...

I love to pull stupid crap in video games, but like Ranthus and Vexx said, I hate to hurt people irl and I know it's reality and there's no respawn.
 
What with California and passing all these laws that just make no sense. Got to wonder if State power is the right thing.....

Anyways, Unless there is something mentally wrong with you, I do not think playing a violent video game, (Lets say GTA 4) Will cause you to grow up to be a criminal or to commit criminal acts. Got to love the government and over worried parents.
 
Its been proven time and time again that video games don't promote violence in children unless they already have the predisposition for violence, and if that is true in the child in question books, movies, and television would influence he/she the same way.

Also, I used to get yelled at for political stuff here....
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top