Expect a bill to keep prosecutors from using rap lyrics in court to be introduced in Jefferson City in January. A Missouri Republican says protecting rap lyrics from prosecution is a matter of free speech.
"We've seen prosecutors use some of the material from their music as sort of bad character evidence to suggest that the artist is inclined to be criminal," says Republican State Representative Phil Christofanelli of St. Peters.
Christofanelli says he will be introducing a bill in January to prevent prosecutors from using music lyrics against defendants in criminal cases.
Christofanelli says his bill won't apply to those who write lyrics about the crime they're accused of. He's hoping to send the message that Missouri is supportive of the music industry, as more recording artists come to the St. Louis area.
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