Lyrics in the Law

Music’s Influence on America’s Courts

Mark W. Klingensmith

In addition to citing case law, Judges have traditionally used recognized legal maxims or treatise citations to support their rulings. But today’s judiciary is becoming more apt to use pop culture, modern music, as well as humor in their decisions. This book gives examples of how songs and their lyrics have influenced judges, provided themes for their decisions, and helped make existing law more accessible to lay persons. Mark W. Klingensmith examines the clever ways judges have used them to enhance their judicial writings and how modern day musical lyrics that have effectively become recognized legal maxims by the courts.

judicial writings.

Lexington Books

Pages: 382 • Trim: 6 x 8¾

978-1-4985-9486-8 • Hardback • November 2019 • $133.00 • (£102.00)

978-1-4985-9488-2 • Paperback • June 2021 • $42.99 • (£33.00)

978-1-4985-9487-5 • eBook • November 2019 • $119.50 • (£92.00)

Subjects: Law / Courts, Law / Jurisprudence

Lyrics in the Law

Music’s Influence on America’s Courts

Hardback

Paperback

eBook

Summary

In addition to citing case law, Judges have traditionally used recognized legal maxims or treatise citations to support their rulings. But today’s judiciary is becoming more apt to use pop culture, modern music, as well as humor in their decisions. This book gives examples of how songs and their lyrics have influenced judges, provided themes for their decisions, and helped make existing law more accessible to lay persons. Mark W. Klingensmith examines the clever ways judges have used them to enhance their judicial writings and how modern day musical lyrics that have effectively become recognized legal maxims by the courts.

judicial writings.

Details

Lexington Books

Pages: 382 • Trim: 6 x 8¾

978-1-4985-9486-8 • Hardback • November 2019 • $133.00 • (£102.00)

978-1-4985-9488-2 • Paperback • June 2021 • $42.99 • (£33.00)

978-1-4985-9487-5 • eBook • November 2019 • $119.50 • (£92.00)

Subjects: Law / Courts, Law / Jurisprudence

Author

Mark W. Klingensmith is judge on the State of Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Overview
Chapter Two: The Beatles
Chapter Three: Bob Dylan
Chapter Four: Rock Music
Chapter Five: Pop Music
Chapter Six: Musical Standards
Chapter Seven: Rhythm & Blues
Chapter Eight: Folk Music
Chapter Nine: Rap Music
Chapter Ten: Country Music
Chapter Eleven: Gilbert & Sullivan
Chapter Twelve: Stage & Film
Chapter Thirteen: Musical Legal Maxims

Reviews

A brilliant deep dive into the use of musical lyrics in judicial opinions – rock, pop, rap, operetta, country... it’s all here. I will use this as an on-my-desk reference for as long as I keep writing. What a treat.
— Michael L. Perlin, professor emeritus, New York Law School and author of Tangled Up in Law: The Jurisprudence of Bob Dylan, Fordham Urban Law Journal (2011)

Lyrics in the Law

Music’s Influence on America’s Courts

Mark W. Klingensmith

Lyrics in the Law

Music’s Influence on America’s Courts

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