Victory in the U.S. Supreme Court: Justices Reject California Video Game Law

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The United States Supreme Court ruled today that California's attempt to regulate the sale of violent video games is unconstitutional.

Today's ruling is a big victory for game players, parents, and all who value free speech and creative expression.

In its 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court cited many of the same reasons cited by lower courts when striking down this and similar statutes: that video games contain expression that is protected as much as the best of literature; that California had not shown that video games were harmful to minors; that less restrictive means of achieving the state's intended goal of protecting children from violent content exist, including the Entertainment Software Rating Board rating system; and that parents rather than the government should have primary responsibility for what games their children play.

The Supreme Court upholds free speech and our individual rights to make our own choices. Below are quotes from the Supreme Court ruling:

"California also cannot show that the Act's restrictions meet the alleged substantial need of parents who wish to restrict their children's access to violent videos. The video-game industry's voluntary rating system already accomplishes that to a large extent."

"Under our Constitution, "esthetic and moral judgments about art and literature . . . are for the individual to make, not for the Government to decree, even with the mandate or approval of a majority."

"And whatever the challenges of applying the Constitution to ever-advancing technology, "the basic principles of freedom of speech and the press, like the First Amendment's command, do not vary" when a new and different medium for communication appears."

Source: http://videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/victory_supreme_court_reject_california_game_law?source=facebook&subsource=scotusdecision_taffb&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=scotusdecision

[dslite4000]

I agree with the Supreme Court on this one. Although I'm one of those RPG nuts who like the plot more than the violence, the use of violence in video games is a form of free speech. If the parents don't want their children exposed to violent video games, then they should pay more attention the the games they buy in the store.

That way, they won't have to pay 50 plus dollars just to have an excuse to yell at their child for their poor parenting.

[dremotion]

Agreed, I used to work at Gamestop and warned countless parents about violent video games when they have young children. Some of those who aren't warned will usually come back to complain that the game was too violent for their children.

If you wouldn't take your kid to see an R rated movie, then why buy an R (Mature) video game.

[Koby]

Great news to hear among all this other crap going into law or trying to be passed. Glad to hear they have at least some common sense in something. Nothing has ever been linked back to the games honestly and whether than censor games they should make parents enforce what games their kids can buy/play. It's up to the parent and they shouldn't be able to blame GTA because some parent let their 8 year old play it.

[BURNTHEPRIEST]

Good news, parents need to take the responsibility instead of whining and blaming someone else for their mistakes.

[DrumRoll]

now your young fertile minds will be soiled:)