video games can be sold to minors

[cap2030]

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/grandtheftautovicecity/news_6029440.html

http://www.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/03/06/023010P.pdf

basically a judge ruled it's unconstitutional to prohibit the sale of
video games to minors.

[DarkDragon]

And, amazingly enough, the RIAA even supported the sensible side. Guess they were scared that if violent games could be controlled, music by artists like Eminem could too.

[AtmaWeapon]

Music by artists like Eminem *IS* controlled. Many stores have policies about albums with explicit lyrics. The only problem is there is no legal penalty for ignoring said policy, except maybe getting fired.

Why are so many people acting like ratings on entertainment items are a new thing?

[TheGeepster]

Just me, but if 85% of parents are invloved in the choice anyways, what was the issue with the law in the first place? I understood it to mean minors could not purchase the game without parents being present. If I had a child I would certainly want some control over what they buy for entertainment, be it music, movies, or video games..

[Kirby of Doom]

Well, the way I understand it's a restriction on all video games.

10 year old: "Hello, sir. I would like to buy this pokemon video game.

Salesperson: "I'm sorry, you need your parent in order to buy this game. It may contain material unsuitable for minors."

Now, a restriction on rated M games would be a different story.

[AtmaWeapon]

Originally posted by Kirby of Doom
Well, the way I understand it's a restriction on all video games.


You understood wrong. It was placed on any game rated M, and games that portrayed and glorified violence against police officers.

[TheGeepster]

I don't see the constitutional issue with the law, really.