Yesterday, December 9, a federal magistrate judge in Arizona issued a 101-page opinion rejecting the use of rap lyrics as evidence. His opinion, which is by far the best and most thorough I’ve ever seen, eviscerates, step by step, the state’s contention that the lyrics are probative and not unduly prejudicial: “The Court concludes that the danger of unfair prejudice and the risk of misleading and confusing the jury that will result from the admission of the rap video and songs substantially outweighs the probative value of this evidence.”
It’s worth noting that this is a recommendation to the district court judge presiding over the case. And it’s a fantastic look at how courts ought to be responding–and hopefully will be–nationwide when it comes to rap on trial. Click here to read the report in all its glory.