University of Richmond School of Law

Hip-hop on trial: When can a rapper's lyrics be used as evidence in a criminal case?

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Review, Prejudice, YouTube, Young Thug, Arrest, Probability, University, RAP, Crime, House Subcommittee on Legislative Oversight, McKinley, Supreme Court of New Jersey, Democrat, Lawyer, McDaniel, Drakeo the Ruler, Black, Person, Brit Award for British Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act, University of Richmond School of Law, Nature, Police, Homeland security, First Amendment to the United States Constitution, Color, Terrorism, Social media, Music, Private investigator, Practice of law, Drug

McDaniel, who uses the social media handle TheBiggestFinn4800, had previously been considered a person of interest in the case.

Key Points: 
  • McDaniel, who uses the social media handle TheBiggestFinn4800, had previously been considered a person of interest in the case.
  • Lawyers have used rappers’ lyrics as evidence in criminal cases since shortly after the rise of gangsta rap in the late 1980s.
  • In fact, researchers at the University of Richmond documented at least 500 cases from 2009 to 2019 where rap lyrics were introduced as evidence in criminal trials.

Rap lyrics as criminal evidence

    • If prosecutors can show that a rapper’s lyrics establish motive, intent or identity related to an alleged crime, then most judges will allow for the evidence to be used.
    • But case law regarding using rap lyrics as evidence of a crime can vary from state to state, and judge to judge.
    • In 2014, the New Jersey Supreme Court found that the introduction of a defendant rapper’s lyrics should not have been admitted into evidence, because the lyrics were general in nature and did not demonstrate motive or intent.

Criminalizing Black artists

    • During the trial, the defendant rapper claimed he was not aware of the contents of the suitcase.
    • As a result, allowing a rap artist’s lyrics to be used as evidence of a crime risks weaponizing an art form dominated by Black and other people of color.
    • As it is, Black Americans are already incarcerated in state prisons at nearly five times the rate as white Americans.

Protecting artistic expression

    • In recent years, lawmakers in California and New York have sought to limit the use of rap lyrics in evidence of criminality.
    • In July 2022, Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia introduced the Restoring Artistic Protection Act, or RAP Act.
    • The federal legislation aims to limit the admissibility of artistic expression as evidence.

Case for caution

    • The probability of prejudice against defendants who are rappers in any scenario, unfortunately, in 2023 is still too high.
    • Prohibiting the use of lyrics can help ensure that not “one innocent suffer.”

Troutman Pepper Launches GPT-Powered AI Assistant

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Task Force for Business and Stability Operations, General counsel, University, Information security, Marketing, LLM, ChatGPT, Innovation, Microsoft, Research, OpenAI, Information, Task force, Relativity, Task, LexisNexis, Generative, Troutman Pepper, Social media, University of Richmond School of Law, Sales

NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Troutman Pepper announced today the firmwide release of Athena, a firm-approved, ChatGPT application to help attorneys and business professionals safely and effectively use generative AI to improve workflows and enhance overall user and client experiences. Within the first 24 hours of firmwide release on August 14, more than 125 different users, including users from all the firm's practice and administrative departments, engaged the platform in nearly 300 conversations.

Key Points: 
  • The firm's Generative AI Task Force partnered with Microsoft to leverage OpenAI's large language model (LLM) in the firm's private cloud to provide these capabilities.
  • Over the past few years, Troutman Pepper's IT and Innovation teams worked with its long-time strategic partner Framework Consulting, an award-winning AI development group, to research and build the platform.
  • "The launch of Athena represents the next step in our exploration and adoption of generative AI and large language models," said Will Gaus , Troutman Pepper's Chief Innovation Officer and Task Force lead.
  • Troutman Pepper's Generative AI Task Force was officially announced in May 2023.

Georgelis Injury Law Firm Announces New Partners and New Name

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 28, 2023
P.C, Lawyer, University, University of Richmond School of Law, Wilfrid Sellars, National Association, Distinguishing, Grand National Trial, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, South Central Pennsylvania

LANCASTER, Penn., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Georgelis Injury Law Firm, P.C. is proud to announce that Thomas J. Sabatino and Christopher P. Larsen have joined Anthony M. Georgelis as ownership partners of the firm, which will now be known as Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C.

Key Points: 
  • The firm, now named Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., will continue to represent injury victims throughout Lancaster County, PA and all of Central Pennsylvania.
  • is proud to announce that Thomas J. Sabatino and Christopher P. Larsen have joined Anthony M. Georgelis as ownership partners of the firm, which will now be known as Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C.
  • Since attorney Anthony (Tony) Georgelis founded Georgelis Injury Law Firm in 2005, the firm has gained national prominence for its work in obtaining financial compensation for the injured in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
  • Tony Georgelis will continue to serve as managing partner of Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm.

Nine Goulston & Storrs Directors Named to 2023 Lawdragon 500 X - The Next Generation List

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Public Citizen Litigation Group, Senior counsel, Hibernia Real Estate Group, National Democratic Training Committee, Lawyer, Boston University, Linhart, Boston University School of Law, Building, Citizenship, University of Richmond School of Law, Boston College Law School, Parenting, University, Brancaccio, Mid-Atlantic (United States), State University of New York at Old Westbury, Policy, Renewable energy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Next Generation, Cornell University, Tufts University, Duke University, Employment, Harvard University, Georgetown University Law Center, State university system, Leadership Council, Malpractice, Fordham, Hofstra University, ABA, Maurice, Princeton University, Law, Mergers and acquisitions, Property management, Commercial property, B.A

BOSTON, July 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Goulston & Storrs , an Am Law 200 firm, is pleased to announce that directors Maura Brancaccio , Ashley Brown , Frank Ditta , Mariana Korsunsky , David Lewis , David Linhart , Casey Milianta , Julia Rosequist , and Allison Sherrier have been named to the inaugural 2023 Lawdragon 500 X: The Next Generation Lawdragon list.

Key Points: 
  • BOSTON, July 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Goulston & Storrs , an Am Law 200 firm, is pleased to announce that directors Maura Brancaccio , Ashley Brown , Frank Ditta , Mariana Korsunsky , David Lewis , David Linhart , Casey Milianta , Julia Rosequist , and Allison Sherrier have been named to the inaugural 2023 Lawdragon 500 X: The Next Generation Lawdragon list.
  • According to Lawdragon, "The achievements and pace at which these lawyers have vaulted to the forefront of the legal profession is remarkable."
  • She received her J.D., with honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law and B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
  • She received her J.D., cum laude, from Boston College Law School and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Boston University.

Schulte Roth & Zabel Strengthens SEC Enforcement Practice With Addition of John Nowak

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 17, 2023
University, College, Public Citizen Litigation Group, PIPE, DOJ, Holy Cross, Disclosure, Business, Private practice, Securities fraud, Government, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division, Employment, Fraud, Schulte Roth & Zabel, Investment, University of Richmond School of Law, Financial adviser, Mathematics

NEW YORK, July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Schulte Roth & Zabel is proud to announce the addition of John Nowak as a partner in the Litigation Group in New York.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Schulte Roth & Zabel is proud to announce the addition of John Nowak as a partner in the Litigation Group in New York.
  • John has a robust enforcement practice, representing private equity funds, hedge funds, broker-dealers, corporations, boards of directors, principals and executives in internal investigations, government inquiries and litigation.
  • "This is a significant opportunity to further strengthen our enforcement practice in support of our clients," said David Efron, co-managing partner of Schulte.
  • In addition to Julia Beskin, Tim Gilman and Chris Gerson in Schulte's Litigation Group, John is the latest new partner to join the firm.

Supreme Court says state lawmakers can't just ignore state law when drawing voting districts or choosing presidential electors

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Review, University, Democracy, Legislature, Politics, Policy, The Conversation, Voting, Congress, University of Richmond School of Law, Common Cause, Water, Supreme court, Rucho v. Common Cause, Law of the United Kingdom, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Election, Constitution, Life insurance, Medical device

For months, legislators, legal scholars and people simply interested in democracy and elections were fixated on a case before the Supreme Court, Moore v. Harper.

Key Points: 
  • For months, legislators, legal scholars and people simply interested in democracy and elections were fixated on a case before the Supreme Court, Moore v. Harper.
  • Those following the case, which asked the justices to rule on the “independent state legislature doctrine,” have held their collective breath awaiting the outcome, which could have changed fundamental aspects of U.S. elections and politics.
  • State legislatures, unconstrained by state law, could then create aggressively gerrymandered congressional districts, possibly leading to an ever more partisan Congress with accompanying gridlock and policy failures.” We asked Chambers to help readers understand the court’s opinion, issued on June 27, 2023.

What question did the Supreme Court answer in this opinion?

    • The court considered whether a state legislature could have the last word, with no review by state courts, regarding gerrymandered congressional districts they created.
    • But the question was whether a state legislature could draw whatever congressional districts it wanted without review by state courts under state law.
    • At issue was a legal theory called the “independent state legislature doctrine,” which the court considered in a dispute over gerrymandered North Carolina congressional districts.
    • In early 2022, North Carolina state courts found the Legislature violated the state constitution when it drew congressional districts favoring Republicans.

Does this decision apply only to partisan gerrymandering by state legislatures?


    This case focused on partisan gerrymandering of congressional districts. However, it may apply more generally to rules for congressional elections, such as where, when and how such elections will be run. If the state constitution explains how congressional elections will be run, the state legislature must abide by those provisions.

What happens next in terms of partisan gerrymanders drawn by state legislatures?

    • Partisan gerrymanders are subject only to state constitutional and statutory law – the written laws enacted by the legislature.
    • In that ruling, the court noted state constitutional and statutory law could be used to stop partisan gerrymandering.
    • If a court interprets state law too aggressively in invalidating a redistricting plan, it invades the legislature’s prerogatives.
    • However, the Supreme Court provided no guidance in this decision on when state courts have gone too far.

Will this ruling affect the 2024 presidential election?

    • Legislatures might have attempted to circumvent state law that defines how presidential electors are chosen.
    • Many folks argue such chicanery could never happen, because once presidential electors are chosen on Election Day, then that’s it.

Judge John A. Gibney Jr. to Receive the 2023 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Fourth Circuit

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Legal, Courts, Public Policy, Government, Professional Services, Philanthropy, State, Local, Other Philanthropy, Foundation, Other Professional Services, Bell, Lewis F. Powell Jr., University, Education, James Keith (Virginia judge), Professional, Private practice, Lawyer, Mentorship, Inn of Court, Student, Virginia School for Girls, District court, American Inns of Court, William, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, American Inn, Commonwealth, John Davis (U.S. district court judge), William and Mary, Conference, University of Richmond School of Law, Practice of law, Nursing

John A. Gibney Jr. has been selected to receive the prestigious 2023 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Fourth Circuit.

Key Points: 
  • John A. Gibney Jr. has been selected to receive the prestigious 2023 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Fourth Circuit.
  • Chief Judge Roger Gregory of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit will present the award during the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference.
  • Gibney is a senior U.S. district judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
  • “Judge Gibney has been a superb judge since he assumed his position,” says Senator Timothy M. Kaine, who wrote in support of Gibney’s nomination for the award by the Lewis F. Powell Jr. American Inn of Court.

Command Alkon’s Emily Branum Selected as A Birmingham Business Journal 2023 C-Suite Awards Honoree

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Demand, Junior League, Rotary Club of SoHo Hong Kong, University, Birmingham Business Journal, Marketing, Partner, Rotary International, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, BBA, Sale, Organization, Alkon, Baylor University, University of Richmond School of Law, Thoma Bravo, Supply, Software, Management

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Command Alkon , the leading software and solutions provider bringing together technology and people for the heavy building industry, is pleased to announce that the Birmingham Business Journal has named Emily Branum, Chief Legal and People Officer at Command Alkon, a recipient of the 2023 C-Suite Awards.

Key Points: 
  • BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Command Alkon , the leading software and solutions provider bringing together technology and people for the heavy building industry, is pleased to announce that the Birmingham Business Journal has named Emily Branum, Chief Legal and People Officer at Command Alkon, a recipient of the 2023 C-Suite Awards.
  • Branum will join this year’s awardees at a special awards dinner on June 15 at the Harbert Center.
  • Emily joined Command Alkon in 2014 and has served in a number of leadership roles.
  • Emily played a key role in the sale of Command Alkon in 2020 to Thoma Bravo, the leading private equity investor in software.

PacBio Announces the Appointment of Olga Troyanskaya from Princeton University to the Scientific Advisory Board

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
SAB, Informatics, Learning, Medical school, Olga Troyanskaya, University, Abraxis BioScience, James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Human, Research, University of Richmond School of Law, University of Washington Information School, Structural biology, School, Biology, Simons Foundation, Computer science, Flatiron Institute, Integrated Genome Browser, Management, Genomics, Stanford University, Princeton University, Medicine

MENLO PARK, Calif., May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), a leading developer of high-quality, highly accurate sequencing solutions, today announced the appointment of Olga Troyanskaya, Ph.D., Professor of Computer Science and the Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton University to PacBio's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and Jay Shendure, Ph.D. as Chair. Dr. Shendure is a Professor of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington.

Key Points: 
  • "I am so honored to have Dr. Troyanskaya join PacBio's Scientific Advisory Board," said Christian Henry, President and Chief Executive Officer of PacBio.
  • Dr. Shendure has been a member of the Scientific Advisory Board since its inception and his contributions are critical to our success."
  • "I'm looking forward to working with PacBio and the other Scientific Advisory Board members and learning from them," said Dr. Troyanskaya.
  • "I want to thank Dr. Puglisi for his dedication to the Scientific Advisory Board," said Mark Van Oene, Chief Operating Officer at PacBio.

Troutman Pepper's Nationally Recognized State Attorneys General Practice Attracts Former Virginia AG, State Corporation Commission Chair

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 17, 2023
Commissioner, Insurance, Lead, State, SCC, University, Chambers, Organization, AGS, Virginia General Assembly, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, NAAG, AG, Private practice, State attorney general, FERC, General practice, Task force, Advisory Council, Chambers and Partners, National Association of Attorneys General, JD, Executive Committee, RISE, Law, Troutman Pepper, Commonwealth, National Association, Electric Power Research Institute, Conference, University of Richmond School of Law, Regulation, Chair, Private investigator

RICHMOND, Va., April 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Judith Jagdmann, former Chair and Commissioner of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) and Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia, has joined Troutman Pepper's top-ranked State Attorneys General practice in Richmond, Virginia as a partner.

Key Points: 
  • RICHMOND, Va., April 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Judith Jagdmann , former Chair and Commissioner of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) and Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia, has joined Troutman Pepper's top-ranked State Attorneys General practice in Richmond, Virginia as a partner.
  • In 2005, she was unanimously elected by the Virginia General Assembly as the 43rd Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia and served through 2006.
  • "She is a recognized force both in the Commonwealth and nationwide," added Brooks Smith, managing partner of Troutman Pepper's Richmond office.
  • The practice has become a go-to for clients seeking assistance with state attorneys general enforcement, litigation, and compliance matters, and is one of only five ranked nationwide by Chambers USA in the category.