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Judge Matthew S. Kennelly has ruled in favor of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in a lawsuit opposing an Illinois law that would make it illegal to sell violent video games to minors.
“If controlling access to allegedly ‘dangerous’ speech is important in promoting the positive psychological development of children, in our society that role is properly accorded to parents and families, not the State.”
The judge also stated there was no direct link between violent behavior and violent video games. “Defendants have failed to present substantial evidence showing that playing violent video games causes minors to have aggressive feelings or engage in aggressive behavior…with these limited findings, it is impossible to know which way the causal relationship runs: it may be that aggressive children may also be attracted to violent video games.”
“It’s our hope that politicians will start to work cooperatively with the industry by helping parents in ways that are constitutional, effective, and sensible. We again assert that between the powerful tools of reliable ESRB ratings, parental education, and now with the recent announcement that all next generation consoles will have parental controls, there is a wealth of ways that those concerned can ensure that children do not have access to inappropriate games,” commented Doug Lowenstein, President of the ESA.