http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6159812.html?sid=6159812&tag=lastword;link

I think I want to point out that if a judge doesn't know or relies on the attorney (defence or prosecution) for what the governing body rating system is all about, tells a big story in how uneducated people are when it comes to rating systems.

Especially with games it seems. In the UK, the games are regulated by the BBFC which is a legal requirement. These ARE age related sales and retailers flouting the ratings will be fined and or imprisoned. The same deal with alcohol and tobacco sales.  It is also illegal for retailers to sell DVD, Videos and Games without a BBFC Rating.  There's also laws for the location, size and quantity of the rating icons as well.

But that is the situation in the UK (and I think across Europe as well), not it seems America. I did read recently that the sales of rated games are not lawfully enforcable which means children CAN buy games without parental consent.

I can't imagine adults and children in the United States not knowing what the film ratings mean when it comes to content, why then, this seeming lack of observation when it comes to video games?  Maybe it's because the fact it is a voluntary organisation lowers the ratings own worth in the eyes of consumers but it is there as a guide.

Any comments on this would be welcome.  And Jack Thompson is a fire breathing hate figure, that blames other things on the real causes of crime.  A sure way to increase a societies dependancy on the blame factor rather than the obligations and responsibilities that especially the United States was founded upon.