UK Campaigners Push for Change to End Musical Misuse in Court Rulings
A growing movement in the UK is calling on lawmakers to reform current laws that allow police to use song lyrics and music videos as evidence against suspects. The campaign, led by Baroness Shami Chakrabarti and supported by human rights groups, argues that this practice disproportionately targets young black men and unfairly associates their musical tastes with crime.
Currently, law enforcement agencies can use lyrics from defendants' favorite artists or even flag appearances in background music videos to suggest gang affiliation or involvement in criminal activity. This has led to a significant number of appeals where music-related evidence has played a crucial role, often resulting in convictions.
Chakrabarti argues that the current practice is "ridiculous" and fails to recognize that someone's love for Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather' does not necessarily make them a mobster. The proposed amendment would require that lyrics be used as evidence only when they are "literal, rather than figurative or fictional."
Campaigners point out that expert witnesses on music-related cases often have ties to the police force themselves and provide biased opinions, which can lead to stereotyping and unfair outcomes. They advocate for independent experts in these cases and procedural safeguards against such biases.
Recent research reveals over 70 trials between 2020-23 where rap evidence, including lyrics, music videos, and audio recordings, was used by law enforcement to build cases. Successful appeals are rare, with joint enterprise cases like the Manchester 10 being frequently cited as examples of how this type of evidence can influence convictions.
The proposed change in legislation aims to address these issues and prevent the misuse of musical taste as evidence against suspects. It is hoped that the amendment will receive support from key government figures, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
A growing movement in the UK is calling on lawmakers to reform current laws that allow police to use song lyrics and music videos as evidence against suspects. The campaign, led by Baroness Shami Chakrabarti and supported by human rights groups, argues that this practice disproportionately targets young black men and unfairly associates their musical tastes with crime.
Currently, law enforcement agencies can use lyrics from defendants' favorite artists or even flag appearances in background music videos to suggest gang affiliation or involvement in criminal activity. This has led to a significant number of appeals where music-related evidence has played a crucial role, often resulting in convictions.
Chakrabarti argues that the current practice is "ridiculous" and fails to recognize that someone's love for Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather' does not necessarily make them a mobster. The proposed amendment would require that lyrics be used as evidence only when they are "literal, rather than figurative or fictional."
Campaigners point out that expert witnesses on music-related cases often have ties to the police force themselves and provide biased opinions, which can lead to stereotyping and unfair outcomes. They advocate for independent experts in these cases and procedural safeguards against such biases.
Recent research reveals over 70 trials between 2020-23 where rap evidence, including lyrics, music videos, and audio recordings, was used by law enforcement to build cases. Successful appeals are rare, with joint enterprise cases like the Manchester 10 being frequently cited as examples of how this type of evidence can influence convictions.
The proposed change in legislation aims to address these issues and prevent the misuse of musical taste as evidence against suspects. It is hoped that the amendment will receive support from key government figures, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
...like what if a kid likes a certain artist because their parents listened to them growing up? Does that really make them guilty of something? its all about context and who gets to decide whats "literal" vs not. 
also, i get that the cops can be biased but doesnt that just show they need more training or what? 
cant we just focus on real evidence instead of getting all emotional about someone's musical tastes? 
Like, how is someone's love for 'The Godfather' gonna make them a mobster? 
It's not like they're trying to commit a crime in their spare time. And what about all those innocent people who just happen to listen to the same artist as the perpetrator? Are we gonna start judging people based on their musical tastes now? 
. If someone loves Francis Ford Coppola, does it really mean they're a mobster? Please 
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i think they should at least have to prove that the lyrics actually meant somethin or were literal cuz right now its just so biased 
. It's about time we cracked down on this kind of thing and made sure that anyone who's innocent doesn't get wrongly convicted 
It's ridiculous that they're still doing this and it's affecting young black men the most. The proposed change in legislation needs to happen ASAP! 
We need to make sure that only literal lyrics are used as evidence and not some flimsy connection to music videos or artists. And let's be real, who gets to decide what's "literally" versus "figuratively"? 
, especially if it means we can stop using music as evidence in court cases 
. And don't even get me started on the expert witnesses, most of them have ties to the police force themselves, so their opinions are totally biased 
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I'm totally on board with this campaign! 
It's all about stereotyping and perpetuating negative attitudes towards certain groups of people. 
. And what's up with the "literally" vs "figuratively" thing? Can't we just focus on getting rid of this whole practice altogether? 
I'd love to see some research on how often successful appeals happen when music-related evidence is used against someone. Maybe that'll give lawmakers some real food for thought 
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. The fact that music is being used as evidence in court is wild and it's great that these campaigners are speaking out about it.
. And having independent experts who aren't tied to the police force sounds like a no-brainer 
. I mean, come on, who among us hasn't loved Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather' at some point? 
It's ridiculous that we're still debating whether someone's love for a particular artist is proof of their involvement in crime.
. It's time for a change, and I'm glad to see some brave voices like Baroness Chakrabarti speaking out against this practice.
I mean, I love The Godfather as much as the next person, but that doesn't make me a goon. It's like, just because someone likes Kendrick Lamar don't mean they're into gang life... 
- a clear overhaul of how music is used in court cases would definitely help reduce wrongful convictions and racial bias. I mean, come on, using a song's lyrics to prove someone's involvement in a crime just doesn't add up (no pun intended). It's like, if I love The Godfather soundtrack, does that make me a mafia boss? 
! It's about time someone spoke up against the ridiculous use of music as evidence in court rulings. I mean, just think about it - someone's love for The Godfather soundtrack doesn't make them a mobster