Every day we hear on "Dateline," "48 Hours," "The Today Show" and other TV newsmagazines about the beatings, stabbings and homicides that occur among young persons week after week.

In those admittedly anecdotal showcases the hosts, guests and viewers are looking for solutions to quell youth violence. Well, a few years ago, it became clear in cities across America -- as 11-, 12- and 13-year-olds were stealing cars and joyriding in emulation of characters in the "Grand Theft Auto" video games -- that electronic toy technology may be a direct or indirect contributor.

In response, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger decided the do something about it beyond the voluntary ratings system the video-game industry created -- you know, the "T for Teen," "M for Mature," "E for Everyone" on the lower left corner of the game box.

The "Governator" decided that the M-games need not be sold at all to those impressionable young minds under 18 years old. And he signed a law to make it so.

Civil libertarians sued to have the law voided, and yesterday a federal judge in California did just that.

The governor's response: "I signed this important measure to ensure that parents are involved in determining which video games are appropriate for their children. The bill I signed would require that violent video games be clearly labeled and not be sold to children under 18 years old. Many of these games are made for adults and choosing games that are appropriate for kids should be a decision made by their parents."

Schwarzenegger promised to appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco.

-- Brian DeBose, politcal correspondent, The Washington Times