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U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson seeks to protect artists’ lyrics from prosecutors

September 27, 2022

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson hopes legislation he introduced recently will protect artists from their lyrics being used against them. The action comes as Fulton County prosecutors have cited Young Thug and Gunna lyrics in a 56-count indictment alleging gang and racketeering activity, although Johnson didn’t comment specifically on that case.

 

He and U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a fellow Democrat who represents New York’s 16th district, teamed up on the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act). It would limit the admissibility of artists’ lyrics or expressions as evidence in federal court cases.

 

“To use rap lyrics without proper context in prosecutions, it’s highly prejudicial and deprives the accused of a fair trial,” Johnson said. “I was a criminal defense lawyer for 27 years before I went to Congress so I understand how the deck is stacked against the accused in criminal cases.”

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