Video Game Curb May Hit Snag

Video Game Curb May Hit Snag

Attorneys for the video game industry and the state of Washington faced off in federal court in Seattle on Monday, arguing whether the first state law regulating some violent video games should be allowed to take effect. The so-called Video Violence Law, H.B. 1009, was enacted May 20 and is due to become effective July 27 -- imposing a fine of up to $500 on anyone who rents or sells to someone 17 or younger computer games in which the player kills or injures "a human form who is depicted as a public law enforcement officer."

U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik said he'll decide by Thursday or Friday whether to grant a preliminary injunction against the law to several groups representing video game makers and retailers. They filed suit June 5, saying the law violates the First Amendment rights of video game players, renters, makers, publishers and distributors, and is unconstitutionally vague as well.

Washington's law bucks several court rulings condemning similar city and county laws. So the case will likely be closely watched by other states considering such laws, and by civil libertarians. Lasnik yesterday indicated he is leaning toward blocking the law's implementation until a full hearing can determine its constitutionality.

The 8th Circuit last month invalidated a broader St. Louis city ordinance regulating video games with violent content. St. Louis had modeled its ordinance after one in Indianapolis that was first approved by a trial court, then invalidated by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, in Chicago. And the 6th Circuit, in Cincinnati, has also conferred First Amendment rights on video games, making them difficult to restrict.

SOURCE: Seattle Post Intelligencer Reporter .