A US appeals court ruled that a California law drafted to restrict access to violent games to minors is unconstitutional.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found some of the restrictions, such as labeling games were unfair to the industry. The court also upheld a lower court ruling which found lawmakers failed to prove video games caused psychological or neurological harm to youngsters. The latter ruling is obviously very important in the long run, as it could potentially be cited as a precedent in legal actions against publishers.

The court concludes the law is narrowly tailored and that there are less restrictive means of regulating the industry, including voluntary ESRB ratings, parental control and educational campaigns.

Leland Yee, the State Senator who authored the legislation said he will urge the State Attorney General to appeal the court's ruling to the US Supreme Court.

More here.