When do rap lyrics cross the line and become threatening speech?
The Supreme Court specifically addressed that question during oral arguments this week in Elonis v. United States, a case which involves the felony conviction of Anthony Elonis for making threats against his estranged wife and law enforcement officers on Facebook.
After separating from his wife, Elonis began writing a series of rap lyrics on his Facebook page to vent his frustration. Many were vulgar and contained what his wife viewed as threats against her life. One such post read:
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