Video Games Classified as Protected Speech

A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined yesterday that video games are a First Amendment protected form of free speech and overturned a three year old St. Louis County law limiting children’s access to violent video games. Judge Morris S. Arnold wrote, “Whether we believe the advent of violent video games adds anything to value of society is irrelevant. Guided by the First Amendment, we are obliged to recognize that they are as much entitled to the protection of free speech as the best of literature.” The ruling does not prohibit retailers from refusing to sell violent games to minors, but does make that choice optional, rather than a legal requirement.

Source: Yahoo News