Peter Schweizer

Crime victims and their relatives have brought numerous lawsuits against creators of popular entertainment media such as video games, television programs, and films, claiming that the violent content of these entertainments inspire violent crime. In the following selection best—selling author and award—winning journalist Peter Schweizer discusses these lawsuits, including one brought against the makers of the 1994 serial—killer film Natural Born Killers. Plaintiffs claimed the film inspired the murderous 1995 crime spree of teenagers Sarah Edmondson and Ben Darrus. Schweizer also presents the views of artists and legal practitioners who criticize such lawsuits as infringements on freedom of expression as well as legally unsound arguments.