Judge Strikes Down Violent Video Game Restriction

On July 15th a federal judge from Washington state struck down a law designed to restrict the sale of violent video games to minors. The argument against the law consisted of concern regarding violations of
free-speech rights.

U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik issued a summary judgment against the law, which was passed last year but had been suspended pending judgment in the case, which was brought against the state by the Video Software Dealers Association.

House Bill 1009 would have imposed a $500 fine on anyone, such as a store clerk, who sold a video game depicting violence against "law enforcement officers" to minors under the age of 17. The plaintiffs argued, and the judge essentially agreed, that the law was too vague to enforce.