Page Number
147
Abstract
Defendant-authored rap lyrics admitted as evidence present unique evidentiary issues. In particular, when such lyrics are admitted to prove the motive or intent of the defendant-author, the lyrics can look like character evidence and be unduly prejudicial. Nevertheless, sometimes those lyrics valuably provide specific admissions of the defendant-author’s motive or intent. As a balance, this article argues that courts should be careful to admit defendant-authored rap lyrics where they are only generally related to a defendant’s motive or intent because of the prejudice a jury might have when seeing or hearing defendant-authored rap lyrics.
Recommended Citation
Noreña, Joseph
(2019)
"The Tendency to See Propensity: How Admitting Defendant-Authored Rap Lyrics as Evidence of Motive or Intent Can Look Like Inadmissible Character Evidence,"
Denver Sports & Entertainment Law Journal: Vol. 22:
Iss.
1, Article 8.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/selj/vol22/iss1/8