Supreme Court put corporate interests ahead of kids - Yee

The Supreme Court today ruled that California's violent game restriction law was unconstitutional, a decision that has the legislation's author up in arms. California State Senator Leland Yee reacted to the decision this morning, accusing the Court of putting "the interests of corporate America before the interests of our children."

"As a result of their decision, Wal-Mart and the video game industry will continue to make billions of dollars at the expense of our kids' mental health and the safety of our community," Yee said in a prepared statement. "It is simply wrong that the video game industry can be allowed to put their profit margins over the rights of parents and the well-being of children."

Although he scolded the Court at large, Yee, who holds a doctorate in child psychology, praised Justice Stephen Breyer, who penned a dissenting opinion that stressed the harm violent games could do to children. In particular, Breyer was swayed by the scientific research California pointed to as evidence that the interactivity of violent games can increase aggression in children, thus justifying the legislation.

"While we did not win today, I am certain that this eight year legislative and legal battle has raised the consciousness of this issue for many parents and grandparents," Yee said, "and has forced the video game industry to do a better job at appropriately rating these games."

For more on the scientific research behind the Supreme Court case, check out GameSpot's extended feature on the subject.