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Associations declare ‘game over’ on video game bans

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a California ban of violent video game sales to children was a victory for two groups that have been fighting similar laws in states throughout the nation. The Entertainment Merchants Association and the Entertainment Software Association sued California in 2005 concerning a law that fines retailers up to $1,000 if they sold such games to customers younger than 18. The court sided with the associations in a June 27 decision, finding video games enjoy the same free speech protections as books and movies. The law was one of nine such bans enacted by local and state governments since 2000. All were challenged and struck down in court,… Read More