Vonte Skinner

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Court: Rapper's Lyrics Aren't Evidence

'One would not presume' Bob Marley actually shot the sheriff

(Newser) - Disturbing though they may be, justices say, a man's violent rap lyrics can't be used as evidence that he tried to kill someone. New Jersey's Supreme Court reached a 6-0 decision in the case of Vonte Skinner, who is accused of shooting and paralyzing a man. Skinner...

Dear Prosecutors, Rap Lyrics Aren't Actual Confessions

Let's keep them out of courtrooms: Erik Nielson and Charis Kubrin

(Newser) - When Vonte Skinner was convicted of attempted murder in 2008, the evidence against him included 13 pages of violent rap lyrics. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, but four years later, an appellate court ruled that the lyrics weren’t admissible evidence—and it overturned his conviction. New...

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