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Judge says Slayer's lyrics weren't to blame for murders
A Superior Court judge in San Luis Obispo, Calif., on Monday (10/29) dismissed a lawsuit filed against speed metal band Slayer by the parents of a 15-year-old girl who was murdered by three teens who claimed they were incited by the band's lyrics.
"Slayer lyrics are repulsive and profane," the judge wrote in his decision, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune News. "But they do not direct or instruct listeners to commit the acts that resulted in the vicious torture-murder of Elyse Pahler."
The judge also ruled against the plaintiff's claim that Slayer's music is harmful to children, finding that the band's speech is protected by the First Amendment.
The suit, which sought monetary damages and to stop the marketing of violent music to children, was filed in 1996. Besides Slayer, Sony Music, producer Rick Rubin and music retailers were named as defendants in the case.
Click here for more background on the case.
