ATLANTA — A decision was made to determine whether rap lyrics would be admitted as evidence in the high-profile YSL trial at a hearing on Thursday.
Judge Ural Glanville ruled that some lyrics can be used in the case, specially noting 17 sets that had been presented the day before by prosecutors in court. Prosecutors and defense attorneys had argued all day about whether the lyrics were admissible in court or if their inclusion would infringe on free speech rights, as defense attorneys asserted.
Judge Glanville said he had conducted a First Amendment analysis in coming to his determination, which he said would be for limited purposes, "depending upon or subject to a foundation that is properly laid by the state."
You can see the full ruling below:
Jeffery Williams, also known as rapper Young Thug, and five other defendants have been charged with racketeering and being part of a violent criminal organization.
With three number-one songs and six top-10 hits on the Billboard charts, the prosecution has tried using lyrics from Williams and other defendants to prove the acts they are charged with.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has argued that those lyrics are not protected under the Constitution as "freedom of speech" and, therefore, should be admissible in court.
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During Wednesday's hearing, which lasted approximately seven hours, prosecutors reiterated that notion, saying the rap lyrics should be considered evidence and not a form of free speech.
Meanwhile, the defense has maintained that YSL, or Young Slime Life as it's also known, is a rap label and lyrics from its members are an expression of art. The defense added they wanted the judge to do a First Amendment content analysis on the rap lyrics and videos to determine the type of speech it is.
After several hours of discussion, Judge Ural Glanville ultimately decided not to rule on the motion on Wednesday. Glanville added he's taking the matter under consideration overnight to review more evidence.
Glanville said that the hearing will reconvene on Thursday at 9:30 a.m., where he could potentially make a ruling in the morning.