This paper considers the role of the rap music expert in criminal cases involving the use of rap as evidence. In addition to describing ways that an expert can help the defence challenge the use of rap, both before and during trial, it also offers strategies for intervening beyond the criminal justice system. These strategies may require an expert to balance the roles of objective observer on the one hand and criminal justice advocate on the other, but whatever the risks or challenges associated with this balancing act, this paper argues that doing so opens up important avenues for intervention and impact that can more effectively end the racially motivated and unjust practice of ‘rap on trial’.

中文翻译：

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专家还是倡导者？审理说唱时专家证人的角色

本文考虑了说唱音乐专家在涉及使用说唱作为证据的刑事案件中的作用。除了描述专家可以帮助辩方在审判前和审判期间挑战说唱的使用方式之外，它还提供了在刑事司法系统之外进行干预的策略。这些策略可能需要专家一方面平衡客观观察者的角色，另一方面平衡刑事司法倡导者的角色，但无论与这种平衡行为相关的风险或挑战如何，本文认为这样做开辟了重要的干预途径和可以更有效地结束出于种族动机和不公正的“审判说唱”做法的影响。