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Expert or advocate? The role(s) of the expert witness when rap is on trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2022

Erik Nielson Open the ORCID record for Erik Nielson [Opens in a new window]
Erik Nielson*
Affiliation:
Department of Liberal Arts, University of Richmond
*
E-mail: enielson@richmond.edu
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Abstract

This paper considers the role of the rap music expert in criminal cases involving the use of rap as evidence. In addition to describing ways that an expert can help the defence challenge the use of rap, both before and during trial, it also offers strategies for intervening beyond the criminal justice system. These strategies may require an expert to balance the roles of objective observer on the one hand and criminal justice advocate on the other, but whatever the risks or challenges associated with this balancing act, this paper argues that doing so opens up important avenues for intervention and impact that can more effectively end the racially motivated and unjust practice of ‘rap on trial’.

Type
Article
Information
Popular Music , Volume 41 , Special Issue 4: Prosecuting and Policing Rap , December 2022 , pp. 446 - 462
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

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