Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that requires criminal courts consider potential prejudice when weighing music lyrics as evidence in trial.

Highlights:

• Establishes that during any criminal proceeding where one party attempts to admit a form of creative expression into evidence, the court must consider the following (Sec. 2):

• The literal truth of a creative expression is minimal unless the expression is created around the same time the crime was committed, bears a sufficient level of similarity to the charged crime, or includes factual detail not otherwise known by the public.

• Specifies that questions of admissibility regarding the use of a creative expression as evidence will be heard in limine and determined by the court without the presence of a jury (Sec. 2).

• Defines “creative expression” as the expression or application of creativity or imagination in the production or arrangement of forms, sounds, words, movements, or symbols, including, but not limited to, music, dance, performance art, visual art, poetry, literature, film, and other such objects or media (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text