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Abstract

As the popularity of violent video games increases, many concerned parents and legislators are trying to legally restrict the purchase or rental of these adult-oriented games from minors. Numerous states have tried to enact violent video game legislation, but all such laws have been overturned by the courts as a violation of First Amendment rights. This essay discusses why both state and local governments have been wholly unsuccessful in restricting minors’ access to violent video games and the strict scrutiny requirements that must be met to limit a person's First Amendment rights. Finally, this essay provides recommendations for areas that must be specifically addressed to legally restrict minors’ access to these adult-oriented games.

Keywords

video games violence children First Amendment social responsibility

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Exposure of Violent Video Games to Children and Public Policy Implications

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