Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Schwarzenegger v. EMA, a case addressing whether states can ban the sale of violent video games to minors without also violating the First Amendment. A full transcript of oral arguments has been made available here. Coverage emerging since arguments concluded yesterday indicate that the Court appears skeptical towards the California law’s constitutionality. After the jump, we gather the news and analysis.
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Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments In Schwarzenegger v. EMA
This morning the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Schwarzenegger v. EMA, a case addressing whether states can ban the sale of violent video games to minors without also violating the First Amendment. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund wrote a brief in support of the video game industry, urging the court to to affirm the Ninth Circuit’s decision that a California law banning the sale or rental of any video game containing violent content to minors, and requiring manufacturers to label such games, is unconstitutional. The CBLDF brief emphasizes the history of moral panic that led to the comics industry being decimated in the wake of government scrutiny in the 1950s.
Early reports from oral arguments indicate that members of the court were “sympathetic” to the California law, but strongly questioned its constitutionality. Full story, with links to analysis and transcripts, follows the break.
Preliminary Injunction Granted Against Massachusetts Online Censorship Law
U.S. District Judge Rya W. Zobel granted a preliminary injunction against the online censorship law that went into effect in Massachusetts earlier this year. Massachusetts booksellers, trade associations including the CBLDF, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts filed suit in July to block the law because it imposes severe restrictions on constitutionally protected speech on the Internet, on the grounds that such material might be “harmful to minors.” The Court enjoined the law because it did not require that such material was purposefully sent to a person the sender knew to be a minor.
MTV Geek Launch Party benefits CBLDF
Launching over the weekend of New York Comic Con, MTV Geek went live with a bang. A terrific new site covering comics and other pop culture, MTV Geek hosted a live art event to celebrate their premiere weekend.
“Monsters Project” begins at Comics Alliance!
With Halloween around the corner, our friends at Comics Alliance have launched the Monsters Project, an excellent, daily exhibition of Monsters drawn by cartoonists from every corner of the comics industry.
Steve “The Dude” Rude Visits the CBLDF!
Today was a particularly exciting afternoon in the midtown offices of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Fan Favorite artist Steve “The Dude” Rude dropped by to produce a one-of-a-kind painting, on the premises, for the Fund. As longtime admirers of the Dude’s work, it was a rare treat to watch him at work.
CBLDF Goes APE!
This weekend, the Alternative Press Expo takes over the Concourse Exhibitions Center in San Francisco! APE is the West Coast’s premiere exhibition of literary and art comics, and this year will boast special guests including Lynda Barry, Daniel Clowes, Vanessa Davis, Keith Knight and more.
The CBLDF will be there, represented by organization President and Beanworld creator Larry Marder and Executive Director Charles Brownstein, who will both be leading programs at the event. The CBLDF booth, 300, will boast a display of original art and prints, all available for modest donations to the Fund. Come celebrate the future of comics and support the CBLDF at APE!
NYCC Wraps Strong for CBLDF
We are in the throes of post-convention decompression, here at the CBLDF offices. Every convention is exciting, but the hometown show seems particularly eventful. We spent all three days on the floor at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center (mere blocks from our offices), surrounded by displays and friends from IDW, Top Shelf, First Second, and Archie Comics… and those were just the booths we could see across the aisles! The entire convention center, from Artist Alley to Retail Row, was filled with Fund supporters and partners, and it’s always energizing to see so many in the same room, especially if the room is a multi-city-block conventions center.
CBLDF Welcome Party Overflows at the Pourhouse
Many thanks to all the supporters who attended the CBLDF’s NYCC Welcome Party last Thursday! There was an unprecedented turnout, and it seemed that everyone had a great time. Extra thanks go to our co-sponsors, Image Comics and The Beat, who were on hand to celebrate with us.
Neil Gaiman’s Board Meeting Doodles
Yesterday the Board and office staff of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund held their annual strategic planning meeting. Long-time board member Neil Gaiman was there, and he gave us these fun doodles, which are now on auction on eBay!
All images follow the jump!