Absurd California Bill Would Ban Rap Lyrics at Trials

A view inside a courtroom at the Superior Court of California courthouse in Santa Maria, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2005. Spencer Weiner-Pool/Getty Images

Commentary

Sometimes you wonder if anyone is serious in the California Legislature. On Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature or veto sits Assembly Bill 2799, introduced by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles). It passed unanimously in both the Assembly and Senate, with no Republican opposition. It would ban rap lyrics being used by prosecutors at a trial without a judge’s approval.