Among the court cases mentioned in the feature story was one involving an aspiring rapper by the name of Vonte Skinner who was charged with attempted murder. Noisey reports that during his trial, which took place in 2008, New Jersey state prosecutors read 13 pages of lyrics written by Skinner.
Skinner was convicted of attempted murder during a second trial, but appealed that decision. His appeal resulted in a retrial due to the use of his lyrics as evidence.
Also mentioned in Noisey’s feature is Uncle Murda affiliate, Ronald “Ra Diggs” Herron. A judge in his court case allowed his music and rap videos to be used as evidence.
“Without passing judgment on the truth of these statements or depictions, the court finds the content of the rap-related videos to be generally relevant in this case where the Government must prove the existence and structure of an alleged criminal enterprise and a pattern of criminal activity committed in furtherance of that enterprise,” Judge Nicholas Garaufis said in regards to the use of Ra Diggs’ music as evidence in his case.
Noisey’s full “Why Are Rap Lyrics Being Used As Evidence In Court” story can be found at Noisey.com.
Article Appeared @http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.31293/title.use-of-rap-lyrics-in-court-investigated-by-noisey