Last week, a federal judge ruled that B.G., a rapper known for the hit 1999 song "Bling Bling," must give the government copies of the lyrics to any new songs as a condition of his supervised release. While prosecutors can generally place a wide range of otherwise illegal restrictions on released prisoners' conduct, critics argue this restriction is an unconstitutional prior restraint on speech.

In 2012, B.G., whose real name is Christopher Dorsey, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegal gun possession and obstruction charges. After serving 11 years, Dorsey was released in February. In May, prosecutors filed a motion alleging that Dorsey had violated the terms of his bond by publishing songs "where he once again glorifies murder, drug dealing, and threatens those who cooperate with the police." 

"Mr. Dorsey's conduct directly contradicts the goals of supervised release—rehabilitation and becoming a responsible, law-abiding member of our community," prosecutors write. "There is no way that any reasonable person can view these new videos…with an understanding of Mr. Dorsey's past, and conclude that Mr. Dorsey was taking his rehabilitation seriously." 

Prosecutors requested that Dorsey be prohibited from "promoting and glorifying future gun violence/murder and obstructive conduct in his songs and during his concerts." Last Friday, New Orleans federal judge Susie Morgan denied this request, writing that the condition might be an unconstitutional prior restraint on Dorsey's speech.

"The Court finds that, without question, the additional condition is not sufficiently clear and specific to serve as a guide for the Defendant's conduct and for those entrusted with his supervision," Morgan wrote. But despite this admission, she still placed a serious restriction on Dorsey's speech. "To address the legitimate concerns expressed by the Government, the Court will impose a special condition that the Defendant provide the United States Probation Office with a copy of the lyrics of any song he writes, in advance of his production or promotion of such song, and that those lyrics be shared with the Government."