This thesis evaluates the issue of rap on trial from both a legal and socioeconomic perspective, analyzing the causes, practices, and effects of rap’s use in the courtroom through these two lenses. This thesis first explores rap as an art form and its history to contextualize rap’s controversial nature and turbulent relationship with the law. Next, this thesis examines existing legal cases involving rap lyrics before analyzing rap on trial’s socioeconomic effects. Evaluating rap on trial asserts its capacity to denigrate America’s judicial integrity while reinforcing negative racial stereotypes and empowering a culture of discrimination. Finally, this thesis will postulate what its findings mean for the future and attempt to discern a path forward that unequivocally upholds justice without infringing on the artistic sphere or freedom of expression. By evaluating both sides of rap on trial through the legal and socioeconomic lenses, this project aims to elucidate the dangers that rap on trial poses to art, justice, equality, and freedom of expression in the United States.
