Bob Dylan: Legal Precedent

Written by Pat's Papers | Monday, 9 May 2011 8:22 AM

Singer. Songwriter. Legal Precedent. The LA Times says Bob Dylan holds a unique claim: the lyrics to his songs have been quoted in legal opinions and briefs “more often than any other songwriter.” Legal scholars say not only did Dylan’s protest songs help the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, his ballads have become “models for legal storytelling and using music to make a point.”

According to an analysis of legal databases, Dylan has been cited 186 times. Other popular references include the Beatles, 74; Bruce Springsteen, 69; Paul Simon, 59; Woody Guthrie, 43; the Rolling Stones, 39; the Grateful Dead, 32; Simon & Garfunkel, 30; Joni Mitchell, 28; and R.E.M., 27. One of Dylan’s most popular lyrics, often used to drive home the fact that expert testimony isn’t necessary about something obvious is from “Subterranean Homesick Blues”: “You don’t need a weatherman/To know which way the wind blows.”

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