Art Not Evidence

Art Not Evidence is a growing coalition of lawyers, journalists, academics, music industry professionals, artists and human rights campaigners working together to fight the criminalisation of rap music in UK courts. In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in prosecutors using lyrics, songs and music videos to help secure criminal convictions. The police and prosecutors use the act of writing, performing, or even engaging with rap music to suggest motive, intention, or propensity for criminal behaviour. This practice disproportionately affects young Black men and boys from under-resourced, marginalised communities and is an agent of institutional racism. Please visit our website to learn more about our campaign for law reform, sign our open letter, or reach out to us hello(at)artnotevidence.org. We’re looking to collaborate with community groups and the music industry, as well as more personal volunteers to help us achieve our goal.