Freedom of speech?

Question

I am doing a mock trial where a person was killed at a concert and the victims family is sueing the rap artist for damages. they say that the rappers lyrics incited the crowd to inevitably kill him. Is there any law concerning incitment in lyrics?

I'm trying to prove the death isn't the rappers fault

Answer 1

Any incitement law wouldn't be so narrowly confined to lyrics. You might want to research Tipper Gore and labelling of music for violent content.

Answer 2

Nope, freedom of speech is all inclusive. From Rush Limbaugh down to Rap artist.

Hence, as far as criminal charges go there may be no relief in the courts. However, there could be a good civil case suing for financial damages. Maybe not on the freedom of speech deal so much as, WHERE was security at the time this was occurring and while the violence was taking place, did the rap artist continue to encourage it.

Whip out a note pad and start writing down some serious questions that could link your case together, if you can't get in through the front door, you may be able to sneak in through the back.

Take Care

Answer 3

Well this very much depends on which stance you are taking, are you on the defendants side, and if so, you need to argue personal responsibility on the crowd. As well you need to argue the point of at almost 100% of these concerts, attendees have been fairly warned of imminent harm that can happen at this concert. No concert that I have ever been to, never said this is a safe environment. If you are on the other side I would argue negligence and the idea of, if I gave you a gun and you killed someone with it, are you not responsible for that persons death.

Answer 4

No. The principle you should argue from is that freedom of speech is not covered by yelling "fire" in a crowded theater. Look at the Supreme Court decisions of Justice Oliver W. Holmes, jr.