If You’re a Rapper, Your Lyrics Can Send You to Jail

In the latest episode of Boom! Lawyered, Imani Gandy and Jessica Mason Pieklo discuss the case of Jamal Knox, a young rapper who was convicted for terroristic threats and witness intimidation based on the lyrics of his music. When are words “true threats,” and when are they protected free speech? And why do most court cases on speech seem to be decided in whichever direction benefits white Christian patriarchy?

Jamal Knox, a.k.a. Mayhem Mal. Jamal Knox/Youtube

In the latest episode of Boom! Lawyered, Imani Gandy and Jessica Mason Pieklo discuss the case of Jamal Knox, a young rapper who was convicted for terroristic threats and witness intimidation based on the lyrics of his music. When are words “true threats,” and when are they protected free speech? And why do most court cases on speech seem to be decided in whichever direction benefits white Christian patriarchy?

Transcript (PDF)