Violent Video Games

[Jazzy]

California wants to prohibit the sale or rental of violent games to anyone under 18. But federal judges have declared that the law violates First Amendment free speech rights.



Justices seemed closely split in November, with some arguing that parents need help protecting children from violent games like Grand Theft Auto IV. But other justices seemed reluctant to carve out a new exception to the First Amendment to cover violence in games.

Source: http://www.aolnews.com/story/court-calif-cant-ban-violent-video-game/1865889/





Is it unconstitutional to ban the sale or rental of violent video games to children? Why or why not.

 

[ArmchairGeneral]

Sorry, but let me get this straight. Currently in Cali there is no age requirement for buying a game similar to GTAIV? A 10 year old or a 30 year old are equally accepted when purchasing it?



NOTE: I live across the pond, things might be done differently,

 

[DrLeftover]

Isn't that what parents are for?

 

[Evil Eye]

Isn't that what parents are for?

My thoughts exactly.

And not every person is the same, grouping by physical age rather than mental age is no good.

 

[Jazzy]

How the heck does prohibiting the sale or rental of violent games to anyone under 18, violate First Amendment free speech rights?

 

[Evil Eye]

Well, can under 18 year olds buy lighters, or cigarettes, or beer, or porn, or a tattoo legally?

Depends on where you live

Lighters?

 

[Evil Eye]

In the US children 17 and under are not aloud to buy things that they shouldn't, just like games, music and movies...



It's not a freedom of speech issue...

I got that, same here except the age limit is lower on most things, but lighters? Are they allowed to buy matches?



And, I agree, it's not. Shouldn't be up to the government, probably... Parents should regulate that sorta thing. Going behind a parent's back would still be a problem though.

 

[DrLeftover]

That is part of the problem in the US.



There is no age of majority that spans all categories, and there are even differences between the sexes for certain things that are allowed at certain ages.



For example, I present....



http://marriage.uslegal.com/age-requirements/

 

[Evil Eye]

A list of worst violent games through the years.

In light of this week's rulings, here's a look at 10 video games that sparked controversy with their violent content -- and what it was that made them so polarizing.

Read: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/gaming.gadgets/06/29/violent.video.games/