State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Appellant and Cross-Respondent v. Vonte L. Skinner, Defendant-Respondent and…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the Appellate Division's reversal of Vonte Skinner's conviction, holding that the admission of his violent rap lyrics was inadmissible under N.J.R.E. 404(b) because the prejudicial effect substantially outweighed any probative value. The Court emphasized that expressive works lacking a strong factual nexus to the charged offense should not be used to prove motive or intent.