Member

In applying these common-sense principles, our courts would have to consider factors including the artistic conventions of the genre in question. Experts should be truly independent. Further, in the rare cases where creative expression was admitted, the judge would give directions to the jury not to be influenced by stereotypes. Racial stereotypes are so dangerous in this context. A lack of knowledge or understanding of rap lyrics and imagery will ignore the symbolism, storytelling and exaggeration that are key features of one of the UK’s most widely consumed cultural forms. The misuse of the music in prosecution also risks suppressing the enjoyment and expression of the art in underprivileged communities that find it both creative and cathartic.