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Jack Thompson, a controversial crusader against violence in games, will be permanently disbarred as of October 25, reports GamePolitics.

In handing down its decision, the Florida Supreme Court cited Thompson's extensive history of public misconduct, along with recommendations from Judge Dava Tunis, the official who presided over Thompson's 2007 ethics trial.

Along with disbarring Thompson, the official court order also demands monetary restitution of $43,675.

In response, Thompson has filed a request with the U.S. District Court seeking an emergency stay of the Florida Supreme Court's decision, as well as publishing a press release that claims the Court's decision is "in retaliation for Thompson’s Tyndale House book Out of Harm’s Way, published in 2005, which blew the whistle on the Florida Supreme Court’s earlier efforts in the 1990’s to literally pathologize his faith-based and successful activism against the American entertainment industry."

Maybe he'll go on a shooting rampage? maybe someone will blame video games?

But seriously, can anybody explain to me what the hell that article is saying? I don't speak Law.

I kind of feel bad for him.

Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from John Bruce Thompson
in the amount of $43,675.35, for which sum let execution issue.

So do I. Can't really join in on the cynical "haha!" chants.

The ESRB website doesn't describe the process unless you are a member, and you can't be a member without submitting your company's game for a rating.

How would that affect online games?  I mean, considering this: "Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB."

Also, how does one go about getting an ESRB rating anyway?  The ESRB website doesn't describe the process unless you are a member, and you can't be a member without submitting your company's game for a rating.

rinkuhero is about to make a post!

If the bill had passed the ESRB would probably just change that guideline.

The rating process is kind of weird: from what I've heard, the people rating your game don't actually play your game, instead, you are required to send them 20 hours or so of video footage from your game (as well as about $10,000), as well as what rating you wish to have for your game. If the content in that 20 hour video doesn't exceed the rating you want, you get the rating.

Which would kind of destroy indie gaming, at least in the US. It still might pass.

Interestingly, even Jack Thompson disagreed with Lieberman's bill, calling it unconstitutional: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20051212-5740.html

I am Jack Thompson.

Buenos dias.  Me llamo Juan Thompson.

I really do have diabetes. :'(

Guys. I think it would be nice if you tried to stay at least slightly on topic. :wtf:

My thread... my beautiful thread :wtf:

I injected spam into it, it bloated up and died.

Just like Jack Thompson.

So, uh, what's stopping him practicing law in another state?

So, uh, what's stopping him practicing law in another state?

In the United States legal system, disbarment is specific to regions; one can be disbarred from some courts, while still being a member of the bar in another jurisdiction. However, under the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which have been adopted in most states, disbarment in one state or court is grounds for disbarment in a jurisdiction which has adopted the Model Rules.

So ... maybe he can still be a laywer in maine or california or something?

But you're Jack Thompson!
D:

God.
Damn.
Spam.

I think he'd have to re-enter the bar exam.

I think he'd have to re-enter the bar exam.