Gov. Newsom signs bill restricting use of rap lyrics as evidence in California criminal trials

New York Post ^ | Oct. 1, 2022 | Nika Shakhnazarova

[Bon of Babble]

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to restrict prosecutors from using rap lyrics as evidence against criminal defendants in California.

[BenLurkin]

“protect artistic expression”

Praising rape, robbery and murder is “artistic expression”?

[BenLurkin]

This from the Post comments section:

Mike Mazzullo
1 day ago

“If only the Jan. 6th. people had rapped their messages.
There would have been no problem.”

[BitWielder1]

Of all the things he could be concentrating on...
On the other hand, now white rappers can use the n-word again, since their lyrics can not be used as evidence.

[aimhigh]

so much for being able to "tell the whole truth."

[Spok]

So a confession to a violent crime couldn’t be used against the declarant in a trial? Of course the courts will have to be able to precisely define what rap is, and constitutionally justify why only rap lyrics are protected, as opposed to a ballad or opera. I am sure a California court will be able to ‘splain it!

[goodnesswins]

I thought for sure this was Babylon Bee...

[bobbo666]

Anyone know a rapper willing to do a “song” promoting the assassination of TwosomeNewsome?

Would be a damned interesting twist.

Hey, little mental defective who thinks he’d get a thrill shooting up a school or mall. What would your street cred be if you went after a governor?

[LittleBillyInfidel]

...and in other news - country western singers and Kid Rock can now be held liable for lyrics that incite “insurrectionists”.

[I want the USA back]

So if you confess to a crime and you say it in “rap” “music” you are set free. If you sung it to the tune of an opera, you would be convicted.

[Steely Tom]

So this means anyone discussing a crime (including murder) with a confederate by voice, or in text or emails, can just say "hey, we're discussing rap lyrics here..."

At that point, the communication cannot be used by the prosecution to prove intent or premeditation, or conspiracy.

[EEGator]

Same

[GMThrust]

I foresee a lot of people now identifying as rappers when charged with a “verbal hate crime”.

[Vision]

Clownifornia says respect rap lyrics!

[Vaduz]

3 out of 4 sound like the Clinton’s

[bantam]

Obviously Newsome hates people of color!
What a racist!

[DoughtyOne]

“I’m gonna kill my wife...”

He kills his wife.

“You’re honor, these lyrics were clearly not an indicator
that he actually meant he was going to kill his wife,
whether he did or not.”

We object to them becoming evidence.

Gavin Newsom agrees.

Every break should be given to the potential killer. We
must be a fair society.

Meanwhile, his wife twists in her final resting place.

Democrat’s sense of ‘fairness’ on parade.