A new feature called “Why are rap lyrics being used as evidence in court” was made by Noisey.com. In the publication it cites that even way back in the early 90s court cases would use rap lyrics. A rap scholar at the University of Richmond, Erik Nielson, says the use of lyrics as evidence has become widespread. “Lyrics are being used all throughout the criminal justice process. They’re being used in indictment hearings, they’re being used in actual trials, They’re being used in sentencing hearings. We know that they’re being used in less for ways, for example to compel a plea bargain.” One court case involved an aspiring rapper by the name of Vonte Skinner that was charged with attempted murder. The reports are that during his trial, that took place back in 2008, the New Jersey state prosecutors read 13 pages of lyrics written by skinner which got him convicted.