426 F. Supp. 2d 646 (E.D. Mich. 2006)
Summary: This case was a challenge to a Michigan ban on the sale of video games with violent content to minors.
History: On September 21, 2005, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA), and the Michigan Retailers Association filed a challenge in U.S. District Court in Detroit, and then sought a preliminary injunction of Michigan Senate Bill 416, which limited the sale and rental of computer and video games with violent content. U.S. District Court Judge Steeh issued an order granting preliminary injunction[1] on November 9, 2005. In January of 2006, the ESA and Michigan made cross-motions for summary judgment.
On March 31, 2006, U.S. District Court Judge Steeh issued an order granting permanent injunction[2] barring enforcement of the Michigan law. The period of time available to the state to appeal the U.S. District Court’s decision passed on May 1, 2006. The decision barring enforcement of this law, a ban on the sale to minors of video games with violent content, thus stood. Judge Steeh issued an order granting attorney fees for plaintiffs on November 30, 2006.
Plaintiffs included the Entertainment Software Association, the Video Software Dealers Association, and the Michigan Retailers Association.