Trendsetting Gavin Newsom signs bill restricting use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials

by americanwire October 3, 2022, 2:30 pm 13 Views

California Governor Gavin Newsom adds another hurdle for prosecutors trying artists in criminal cases.

As of Friday with the signing of AB 2799, prosecutors will have to prove in a pretrial hearing that rap lyrics are relevant to the prosecution’s case in order for them to be admissible.

“For too long, prosecutors in California have used rap lyrics as a convenient way to inject racial bias and confusion into the criminal justice process,” Dina LaPolt, entertainment attorney and co-founder of Songwriters of North America, said in a statement. “This legislation sets up important guardrails that will help courts hold prosecutors accountable and prevent them from criminalizing Black and Brown artistic expression. Thank you, Gov Newsom, for setting the standard. We hope Congress will pass similar legislation, as this is a nationwide problem.”