Full Answer Section

Second, it is difficult to prove that violent media causes crime. There is a correlation between exposure to violent media and violent behavior, but there is no clear evidence of causation. It is possible that people who are already predisposed to violence are more likely to be drawn to violent media, rather than the other way around.

Third, it would be difficult to determine who should be held liable for the actions of criminals. There are many different types of violent media, and it is not always clear who created the specific piece of media that inspired a crime. For example, if a criminal is inspired to commit a crime by a violent video game, should the video game publisher be held liable? Or should the developer of the video game engine be held liable? Or should the screenwriter who wrote the game’s story be held liable?

Moral reasons

In addition to the legal challenges, there are also moral reasons for not holding the creators of violent media liable for the actions of criminals. First, it would be unfair to blame the creators of violent media for the actions of criminals. Criminals are responsible for their own choices, and they should be held accountable for their own actions.

Second, holding the creators of violent media liable for the actions of criminals would have a chilling effect on free speech. The First Amendment protects a wide range of speech, including violent speech. If the creators of violent media could be held liable for the actions of criminals, it would discourage them from creating certain types of speech. This would be a serious blow to free speech, and it would limit the public’s access to information and ideas.

Conclusion

For both legal and moral reasons, the creators of violent media should not owe a duty of care to victims of crimes based on violent media.

Perspective of owners and managers of companies that produce video games or other electronic entertainment

Owners and managers of companies that produce video games or other electronic entertainment are likely to agree with the conclusion that they should not owe a duty of care to victims of crimes based on violent media. They may argue that they are already taking steps to reduce the risk of their products being used to commit crimes, such as by using age ratings and warning labels. They may also argue that holding them liable for the actions of criminals would be unfair and would have a chilling effect on free speech.

Biblical worldview

The Bible teaches that we are all created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that we are all capable of both good and evil. We are also responsible for our own choices. The Bible does not teach that anyone is responsible for the sins of others.

In the context of the duty of care debate, the biblical worldview suggests that the creators of violent media should not be held liable for the actions of criminals. Criminals are responsible for their own choices, and they should be held accountable for their own actions.