The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case (Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants) this fall regarding a California law banning the sale of violent video games to minors. The justices accepted the state’s appeal and will decide whether the law is too restrictive in denying access by minors to often-graphic material.

Video game makers say the ban goes too far. They say the existing voluntary rating system is an adequate screen for parents to judge the appropriateness of computer games. The state says it has a legal obligation to protect children when the industry has failed to do so. At issue is how far constitutional protections of free speech and expression, as well as due process, can be applied to youngsters.

Illinois and Michigan passed a similar laws in 2005. At the time, Illinois Family Institute was a strong supporter, providing research and testimony to the Illinois General Assembly regarding the harmful effects of violent and sexually-explicit video games. The law received widespread, bi-partisan support and was signed into law by Governor Rod Blagojevich. However, industry groups filed a lawsuit in federal court and the law was struck down.

The outcome of Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants could revive efforts to revisit Illinois’ law as well. To read more, click HERE.