Tweet
Earlier today, the Supreme Court ruled in an overwhelming majority that video games are protected under the rights outlined in the First Amendment.
In a 7-2 ruling, the decision (PDF) places video games on equal footing with movies, plays, books, and other forms of media and entertainment.
In November, many questioned California's attempt to deny the sale of games to minors. At the time, Justice Ginsberg said that, "if you are supposing a category of violent materials dangerous to children, then how do you cut it off at video games? What about films? What about comic books? Grimm's fairy tales? Why are video games special? Or does your principle extend to all deviant, violent material in whatever form?"
Some parents are upset over this decision, which is funny because it means they might have to actually be involved with their kids' lives instead of relying on absurd laws to raise their kid to be an upstanding citizen. As it is, this ruling once against proves that involved, informed, and caring parents are the best means to preventing young children from playing or viewing material that may be inappropriate.
In a 7-2 ruling, the decision (PDF) places video games on equal footing with movies, plays, books, and other forms of media and entertainment.
Video games qualify for First Amendment protection. Like protected books, plays, and movies, they 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.
In November, many questioned California's attempt to deny the sale of games to minors. At the time, Justice Ginsberg said that, "if you are supposing a category of violent materials dangerous to children, then how do you cut it off at video games? What about films? What about comic books? Grimm's fairy tales? Why are video games special? Or does your principle extend to all deviant, violent material in whatever form?"
Some parents are upset over this decision, which is funny because it means they might have to actually be involved with their kids' lives instead of relying on absurd laws to raise their kid to be an upstanding citizen. As it is, this ruling once against proves that involved, informed, and caring parents are the best means to preventing young children from playing or viewing material that may be inappropriate.
Comment