Schwarzenegger v. EMA

Today Arnold Schwarzenegger, also known as the Terminator or Governor of California, is taking his case of the "Violent Videogame Law" signed in 2005 which prevented sales of violent videogames (generally rated M or above) to minors. However, before the act took place, the ESA (Electronics Software Association) claimed that the law violated First and Fourteenth amendment rights, by restricting the freedom of expression in the entertainment industry.

Then in February 2009, a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, consisting of three judges, agreed that the law was unconstitutional. But Schwarzenegger has kept on defending his law, stating that "I signed this important measure to ensure parents are involved in determining which video games are appropriate for their children."

The case was accepted to be heard by the Supreme Court on April 26, and the hearing is to take place today. November 2, 2010.

This is pretty big news for the entertainment industry because this is the first time that videogames have been censored in America, based on a problem that may not even exist. Schwarzenegger found the answer, to a problem that doesn't exist. There are many conflicting arguments on how videogames, especially violent ones, affect human behavior.

The sale of violent videogames to minors isn't illegal, but it is discouraged to merchants across the nation. The ESRB rating system on videogames is also voluntary, and the entertainment industry is facing an 80% compliance. The highest its ever been.

This law is not only unconstitutional, but unnecessary. A study by Texas A&M has shown that violent videogames helps people with stress and can even be therapeutic (you can read more here,) and there have been over 80 studies against the California Law stating that they have not provided sufficient evidence to base the law on.

What do you think about this case? Post your ideas in the comments below.

Edits to come with results will appear later, after the results are announced.

-Teguh