The Law According To Moses: Did Solange Assault Jay-Z?
By Ambrose Moses, III
OhioMBE – June 1, 2014
Issue: In early May, TMZ released a video showing Solange Knowles (the sister of Beyoncé) apparently hitting and kicking entertainer Shawn “Jay Z” Carter. Did Solange commit a crime?
The Law: New York Penal Law § 120.00 states that a person is guilty of assault in the third degree when: 1. With intent to cause physical injury to another person, he causes such injury to such person or to a third person; or 2. He recklessly causes physical injury to another person. . . . Assault in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor.
Application: Based solely upon the video, one might conclude that Solange controlled all the action, attempted to, and actually did, strike Jay Z with her hands and feet. She may have even spat upon him. After Solange’s first barrage of blows, Jay Z appears a bit concerned for his physical well-being because he raises his hands to shield himself as Solange attempts to get back at him. It does appear that Solange intended to cause physical injury to Jay Z and did, in fact, strike him with her hands and feet and made him fearful of further physical strikes.
Conclusion: Solange assaulted Jay Z.
Question: Why did Solange engage in such conduct in that elevator? What, if anything, did Jay Z say or do to Solange prior to what appears as an assault on the video? Is this matter being investigated for possible criminal charges? Is there a double standard when it comes to investigating and prosecuting 1) high profile individuals, 2) women who assault men, and 3) cases where the victim is a Black male?
There is much we do not know about this situation. While no one wishes ill upon Jay Z and his family, how this type of matter is handled by the police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges is important. There are double (and even triple) standards in our criminal legal system. That fact is both unfortunate and unjust. Poor, working class, and middle class people, as well as people of color, are more likely to be subjected to unfair and detrimental treatment by our criminal legal system than those who have significant wealth and the ability to influence the decision-makers in their favor.
What do you think?
Ambrose Moses, III is an attorney with Moses Law Office. Email: info@MosesLaw.pro. Telephone: (614) 418-7898.
