OVER THE PAST half century, public concerns about the potentially harmful effects of violent media, particularly on children, have inspired debates among local, state, and federal lawmakers. Many legislators have proposed bills affecting various aspects of the media, but few such bills have passed. Most U.S. lawmakers are reluctant to regulate the media because they believe such an action would violate the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

First Amendment issues

Among other rights, the First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, and that guarantee applies not just to individuals and the press. The courts have consistently said that the First Amendment protects any medium that communicates an idea or message, including television, motion pictures, and music.

For many years the First Amendment has protected the entertainment industry from government censorship. Most people feel strongly that the government should not regulate...